Aloha State is Attractive!!!

Aloha State is Attractive

Are you ready for 2013???. . .sure felt funny typing that date in today for the first time.

Last week I referred to several destinations and segments of the industry that were experiencing upticks in their current business and indications for the immediate future.  Both Mexico and Israel are very positive about their tourist trade for 2013, airlines are looking at their numbers enthusiastically rising, and the cruise trade is pumped about guests scheduling vacations with them.  One segment that I did not mention was the Hawaii market. 

Recent reports from that vacation destination indicate that they are racing with unprecedented momentum to the best year ever.  According to a report from Travel Weekly, that momentum is fueled by soaring international demand for Waikiki.  It has become almost impossible to get rooms at Waikiki hotels unless you plan 6-8 months in advance.  Through the end of October, the total number of international travelers who visited Oahu surged 20% over the previous year.  Those arriving from Japan climbed 16% while South Korean visitors surged to 44% over the past year.

The CEO of Pleasant Holidays, a long-time tour operator in Hawaii, said that their business in 2012 to Hawaii was phenomenal, that they actually ran out of hotel rooms in the month of August on Oahu, not necessarily because of the U.S. market, but because of the Asia and Australia markets.  These guests are arriving and paying a higher average daily rate which is great for the hotels, but not so great for those of us here in the U.S. who are trying to get the good vacation bargain.  Another report of note is the general manager of the Sheraton Waikiki reported that their occupancy rates in August, September, October and November were in the mid-to-high 90’s.

The Hawaiian Tourist Association president said that one of the keys to the growth of this market was the expansion of direct flights from the mainland U. S. to Maui, Kauai, Kona, and Hilo.  Alaska Air, Hawaiian Air, and Allegiant have boosted their ridership numbers since they began flights to these Hawaii destinations in 2012.

This attention to Hawaii has chased travel agents to look for other attractive destinations such as Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean for their clients looking for beach resorts.  The professional and experienced travel agents at The Travel Factory specialize in finding our clients the very best vacation experience that fit their expectations and budget, but if it is Hawaii they want, it is imperative to plan more ahead than normal.

Our location is at 4150 Southwest Drive, at the Plaza at Park Central, the 2-story center between Rosa’s and Chick-Fil-A.  Or, call at 698-1421 or toll-free 800-760-4040.  We are reachable also on the web: www.thetravelfactoryabilene.com. 

Happy New Year!!