Global competition for tourism dollars means Waikiki must renew and grow

By Greg Dickhens

POSTED: 01:30 a.m. HST, Aug 26, 2012

~~<p>Hawaii is one of the world's premier visitor destinations and is rebounding from the recent recession, as the latest visitor counts confirm. But tourism is a dynamic and changing industry, and Hawaii is facing increased competition from locations around the world. Hawaii must remain vibrant as a destination for the state's economy to grow and provide sustainable employment in the islands.</p>
<p>Tourism is the primary industry in Hawaii; visitor expenditures directly account for 19.8 percent of our state's tax revenue and 1 in 6 jobs, according to the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. Waikiki alone accounts for more than a third of this activity.</p>
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Hawaii is one of the world's premier visitor destinations and is rebounding from the recent recession, as the latest visitor counts confirm. But tourism is a dynamic and changing industry, and Hawaii is facing increased competition from locations around the world. Hawaii must remain vibrant as a destination for the state's economy to grow and provide sustainable employment in the islands.

Tourism is the primary industry in Hawaii; visitor expenditures directly account for 19.8 percent of our state's tax revenue and 1 in 6 jobs, according to the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. Waikiki alone accounts for more than a third of this activity. Login for more...