Nurture isle tourism carefully

POSTED: 01:30 a.m. HST, Jun 06, 2012

~~<p>While the nation's economy continues to disappoint, Hawaii's economic engine of tourism is experiencing encouraging numbers. While visitor industry leaders have every reason to be optimistic, they should follow through on policies to solidify the islands as a popular destination from all directions.</p>
<p>The most recent numbers are impressive: an April record for visitor arrivals, resulting in an increase in spending by 26.8 percent — $246.5 million more than the same month last year — for a total monthly expenditure of $1.17 billion, according to the Hawaii Tourism Authority. Daily spending per visitor was $194, 10.4 percent more than April 2011.</p>
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While the nation's economy continues to disappoint, Hawaii's economic engine of tourism is experiencing encouraging numbers. While visitor industry leaders have every reason to be optimistic, they should follow through on policies to solidify the islands as a popular destination from all directions.

The most recent numbers are impressive: an April record for visitor arrivals, resulting in an increase in spending by 26.8 percent — $246.5 million more than the same month last year — for a total monthly expenditure of $1.17 billion, according to the Hawaii Tourism Authority. Daily spending per visitor was $194, 10.4 percent more than April 2011. Login for more...