The State of Hawaii’s Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism (DBEDT) released its April 2023 visitor statistics report today.
Total visitor spending increased significantly despite fewer arrivals compared to pre-pandemic, continuing a trend of higher visitor spending with fewer visitors to Hawaii. April 2023’s spending was up 30.7 percent to $1.72 billion as compared to $1.32 billion in April 2019 prior to the pandemic.
Along with resident and visitor sentiment, total visitor spending and average daily visitor spending are Key Performance Indicators of the Hawaii Tourism Authority’s work in implementing our 2020-2025 Strategic Plan, as visitors’ spending directly supports the local community and collectively moves us forward toward a more diversified economy.
Progressing on the community’s calls for destination management in our Destination Management Action Plans, we continue to educate visitors on how they can travel mindfully and nurture our communities statewide, including protecting our natural resources, engaging in Hawaiian culture learning opportunities, and supporting local businesses, farmers, shops and restaurants.