The Hawaii Tourism Authority is developing a marketing plan to combat the decline in visitor numbers since the wildfires. This includes a campaign to welcome visitors to Valley Island, Macau Maui.
The Conversation spoke with HTA Interim President and CEO Daniel Nahoupi about his marketing strategy for the rest of the year.
Nahoopi said that the number of tourists has decreased recently, and the amount spent has also decreased. He said many visitors may be postponing or canceling their trips because they don't understand which areas of Maui are open.
“They don't feel as welcomed because they don't realize there are so many other opportunities to gain experience,” he says. “So we're releasing more of that information.”
“We also encourage visitors to buy local, shop at local markets and look for small businesses to continue supporting, as a full recovery will take time. ” Nahoopi told HPR.
HTA is currently developing a tourism strategy for the state for the remainder of this year.
“We know there will be a global economic slowdown in ’25 or ’26, so we’re well-positioned to ensure that our visitors continue to come and support us, continue to pay us, and more importantly, Hawaii,” Nahoopi said.
This story was broadcast on conversation The conversation will be broadcast weekdays at 11 a.m. on HPR-1.
