August 2022 visitor statistics report
The State of Hawai‘i Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism (DBEDT) today released its August 2022 visitor statistics report, which showed continued momentum in meaningful economic recovery at the close of our summer season.
The Hawai‘i Tourism Authority is focused on visitor spending, as tourism dollars are recirculated in our economy, supporting local businesses, retailers, restaurants and attractions throughout the state. Our steadfast efforts also remain on visitor education and destination management, to preserve our natural and cultural resources for future generations.
In August 2022, total visitor spending increased 13.8% to $1.71 billion compared to August 2019, with a 10.4% decrease in visitor arrivals totaling 926,417 visitors. Visitor spending was up substantially from the U.S. market, with 49.3% growth from the U.S. West and 33.8% growth from the U.S. East. Travelers from Canada continued to see increases in visitor spending as well.
While visitor spending from the Japan market continued to lag in August, rising travel demand was evidenced by the resumption of select air service from Japan to Hawai‘i. Last week’s announcement by Japan’s government to lift its visa requirement for entry as well as its 50,000-person daily limit beginning October 11 is a promising sign for our community as well as Japan’s road to recovery.
