Somehow I missed it, but I now see that the Hawaii Tourism Authority has launched a campaign to boost Maui tourism. Called Mākaukau Maui, which means “Maui is Read,” the campaign seeks to let would-be visitors know that it’s a good time to visit. “We wanted to offer a platform and a voice for them to make that invitation to folks,” T. Ilihia Gionson, the Hawai’i Tourism Authority’s public affairs officer, said in a story in Skift magazine. “We’re almost nine months since the fire, and we continue to hear ‘We’re not sure if Maui is open,’ or ‘We’re not Read more
Maui tourism
Pedestrians are getting a permanent break in Banff. Hawaii Tourism Boasts Strong Holiday Numbers. And indigenous tourism is poised for a Canadian boom. A few travel tidbits for today. BANFF PED ZONE NOW PERMANENT Banff’s popular downtown pedestrian zone is now a permanent feature in the wildly popular Alberta destination. Town officials have decided to keep the zone in place from the May long weekend to Thanksgiving weekend every year. Canadian Press reports the town decided to permanently fund the project, which began during the COVID-19 pandemic, as part of its annual operating budget. “It is, however, still unclear whether Read more
There’s a new action plan to boost Maui’s economy following the deadly August wildfires. The Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority Board of Directors has furthered its ongoing commitment to mālama (care for) Maui and support the island’s recovery by approving an immediate six-month action plan for 2024 to help address major challenges confronting residents, small businesses, visitor industry providers, Maui’s economy, and families seeking housing. The action plan is designed to fulfill tourism’s responsibilities in alliance with the leadership established by Governor Josh Green, M.D. and within the broader scope of Maui’s recovery efforts being conducted by the State Department of Business, Read more
Canadians and other visitors continue to rate Hawaii as a top destination 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 Read more
As you drive along the bypass road outside Lahaina, you’ll see several hand-made signs. “Respect the locals.” “Let Lahaina grieve.” And more. The sentiments are important. It’s only been three months and a few days since wildfires ripped through this once tranquil and beautiful seaside town, and many people are still living in hotels. Many others are still grieving lost parents and cherished uncles and aunties. Far too many children died in the fires, an unimaginable horror that a parent can never recover from. When we were on Maui recently, my wife chatted briefly with a hotel worker who said Read more
