Hawaii Tourism Back: What You Need to Know
After a year of being shut down due to the pandemic, Hawaii is finally opening back up to tourists. But is the tourism industry really back to where it was pre-pandemic? Let’s take a look.
The Current Situation
As of mid-2021, the state of Hawaii has lifted most of its pandemic-related restrictions and has opened up to vaccinated travelers from the mainland US and other countries. This has led to a surge in tourism as people are eager to travel again after being cooped up for so long.
However, the tourism industry in Hawaii still faces some challenges. While visitor numbers have increased significantly compared to 2020, they are still not back to pre-pandemic levels. Additionally, many local businesses that rely on tourism are still struggling due to a lack of visitors.
The Numbers
According to the Hawaii Tourism Authority, visitor arrivals were down 74% in 2020 compared to 2019. However, things are looking up in 2021. In June 2021 alone, there were over 880,000 visitors – a massive increase from June 2020 when there were only around 22,000 visitors.
While these numbers are promising, it’s important to note that they are still not at pre-pandemic levels. In June 2019 (pre-pandemic), there were over one million visitors.
The Challenges
The pandemic has had a significant impact on the tourism industry in Hawaii. Many businesses have closed permanently or temporarily due to a lack of tourists.
Addtionally, there is also concern about overtourism and its impact on the environment and local communities. The state government is taking steps to address this issue by implementing measures such as a daily visitor cap for popular attractions and promoting sustainable tourism practices.
The Future
Despite the challenges, there is hope for the future of Hawaii’s tourism industry. The state government has implemented initiatives to promote tourism and support local businesses, such as offering free or discounted activities for visitors who get vaccinated.
Additionally, the state is investing in infrastructure projects that will benefit both tourists and locals, such as improving public transportation and building new bike lanes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Hawaii’s tourism industry is not back to pre-pandemic levels yet, it is slowly but surely recovering. There are still challenges that need to be addressed, but with the right initiatives in place, there is hope for a brighter future for both tourists and locals alike.