| The Hawaiʻi Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism recently released the results of its Third Quarter Visitor Satisfaction and Activity Survey for 2023, which found that at least 95% of visitors from each geographic region surveyed rated the Hawaiian Islands as “excellent” or “above average” when it comes to offering a variety of experiences. Meanwhile, the majority of those surveyed ranked Hawai‘i as either “excellent” or “above average” in the number of different or unique experiences offered.
Overall satisfaction levels among visitors from all markets surveyed remained high. A full 88.3% of Canadian visitors rated their most recent trip to Hawaii as excellent, as did 88.3% of visitors from Korea. The sastisaction level was 90% for visitors from the US. East and 83.3% for visitors from Japan.
More than eight in ten Canadians (86.5%) rated Hawai‘i as “excellent” in terms of being a safe and secure destination, as did 84% of U.S. East visitors and 83.4% of U.S. west visitors.
Hawai‘i exceeded expectations for many visitors, with 60.3% from Korea, 55.4% from the U.S. East, 54% from Canada, 47.9% from Japan and 47.3% from the U.S. West indicating their latest trip “exceeded expectations.”
Younger respondents (18-34 years old) from the U.S. West, U.S. East, Japan, and Canada were more likely to say their trip exceeded expectations compared to visitors from these markets in other age groups.
With visitor satisfaction being one of the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority’s (HTA) four major Key Performance Indicators (KPI), these results showcase positive sentiment on activities and experiences being offered statewide. HTA’s other KPIs are resident sentiment, average daily visitor spending and total visitor spending.
 Kauai’s famous Kalalau Trail. JIM BYERS PHOTO Most visitors to Hawai‘i see the Hawaiian Islands as a destination that offers a variety of different and unique experiences, according to the latest Visitor Satisfaction and Activity Survey (VSAT), which surveyed visitors from the U.S. West, U.S. East, Canada, Japan, Oceania, and Korea who visited Hawai‘i during July through September 2023.
More than 55% of visitors from each market surveyed indicated they were “very likely” to return to the state of Hawai‘i in the next five years, with the U.S. West, Hawai‘i’s largest major market area, leading the way at 83.
Repeat visitors from the U.S West, U.S. East, Japan, Canada, and Oceania expressed a greater likelihood of returning to the state than first-time visitors, and visitors from the U.S. West, U.S. East, and Canada who visited a single island expressed a higher likelihood of returning to the state than those who visited multiple islands during their stay.
Every market that was surveyed attributed the high cost of vacationing in Hawai‘i as the biggest barrier to returning in the next five years.
Special Section of Survey Added on Impact of Maui Wildfires
The August wildfires on the island of Maui destroyed homes, cultural and historical sites, and commercial businesses – including many visitor-focused restaurants and shops in the town of Lahaina in West Maui.
A special analysis was conducted of data collected among visitors to the island from the U.S. West and U.S. East, the largest visitor markets for Maui. Visitors who traveled to the island after the fires took place were less satisfied than previous visitors. While more than eight in 10 visitors from these markets still rated their trip as “excellent,” nearly 1 in 10 visitors who traveled after the fires took place admit their trip did not meet their expectations.
“The study shows that depth and range of experiences that the Hawaiian Islands provide play a pivotal role in fostering visitors’ satisfaction with their trips and enthusiasm to return,” said Daniel Nāhoʻopiʻi, HTA’s interim president and CEO. “As we focus on tourism’s role in supporting Maui’s recovery, we will restore the demand for Maui by sharing the unique and attractive visitor activities across the island.
“Visitors will realize there is so much more to do on Maui.”
CHEAPO AIR SURVEY: 2024 TRAVEL TRENDS
| Cheaper airfares, but higher hotel costs and added tourist fees.
As we look to a new year filled with travel opportunities, leading online travel agency CheapOair.ca is sharing their annual look ahead at some of the top developments that Canadian travellers can expect for 2024.
This year was not without its fair share of successes and issues, despite continuing inflation, fluctuating fuel costs, and global instability. While global inflation is expected to fall in 2024, CheapOair.ca anticipates that the new year will still see further surprises and challenges for travellers. Here are some of the top changes that Canadians should be aware of:
A Drop In Airfare
Despite continuing inflation, Statistics Canada recently reported that Canadian airfare has decreased during 2023, as airline demand aligns with capacity. In its Consumer Price Index (CPI), the agency reported that the price of air transportation dropped 19.4% last month compared with October 2022. The figure follows a roughly 21% year-over-year drop in September and a 20% decrease in August.
The results also showed airfares declined 4% on a monthly basis in October 2023, when they typically rise ahead of the holiday season, particularly with domestic travel. Can this decrease maintain through 2024?
“While it is a challenge to accurately predict what airfares will be in 2024, this downward trend bodes well for cost-conscious Canadians,” said Daniel Hayter, Senior Product Manager for CheapOair.ca
But An Increase in Security Fees
Despite the positive outlook on airfare, the Canadian government announced a series of airport security improvements for 2024 at a cost to travellers by way of a 33% increase. Starting in May 2024, the increased Air Travel Security Charge on a one-way ticket within Canada will increase to $9.94, on a flight to the U.S. to $16.89, and on an overseas trip to $34.42.
“This increase for the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) is being done to maintain and increase its level of service in airport screening and overall security,” added Daniel. “It’s important to note that this is the first increase in security since 2010.”
The Growth of Tourist Fees?
Dealing with the struggle of over-tourism brought on by ‘revenge travel’, several popular destinations have announced that tourists will now need to pay a ‘Tourist Tax’.
While a number of North American destinations currently charge a local fee to support local municipalities with services and infrastructure, there is expected to be an increase for 2024. Popular international destinations such as Barcelona and Thailand have already introduced this fee with more following suit in 2024.
“For those planning on a budget, it’s best to do the proper research to confirm the destination tourist fee in advance,” said Daniel.
Pay More To Stay
According to the recent American Express Global Business Travel report, hotel rates are expected to rise across Canada to bring it more in line with inflation fluctuations and staffing issues, despite 2022 and 2023 seeing similar increases due to ‘revenge travel’.
While global inflation is set to fall in 2024, it will continue to impact hotel costs, according to the report. A key factor here is staffing, with hotel wages in North America at record levels.
“Unfortunately, this may affect cost-conscious travellers into minimizing their stays by one night or they may opt more affordable accommodations,” noted Daniel.
Mandatory European Travel Visa Requirements
Originally planned for 2023 but now moved to late 2024/early 2025, it was announced by the European Union (EU) that all Canadian citizens planning to board any aircraft, sea carrier, or coach vehicle headed for Europe – and even those passing through or connecting through Europe enroute to a secondary destination – will be required to have a European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) visa.
ETIAS is being implemented to pre-screen visa-exempt travellers travelling to any of the over 22 Schengen member destinations including France, Germany, Spain and Italy, and four non-European Union countries: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. The decision has received unanimous support from all the EU member countries. Further information on ETIAS and the application can be found at www.etiasvisa.com/etias-form-application
“What this means for Canadians is that whether you are planning to travel to or even connect through Europe, you will need to apply for an ETIAS visa and go through the security screening process in advance,” said Daniel. “While this may seem like an obstacle for travels and planners, it is important to note that this will be mandatory.” |
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