Marketing key to countering visitor declines, panel says

A panel of business leaders painted a generally dismal picture of Hawai'i's current economy, with tourism especially hard-hit by financial conditions on the Mainland and in Japan. Speaking at a breakfast forum sponsored by The Honolulu Advertiser, Rex Johnson, president and CEO of the Hawai'i Tourism Authority, cited the continuing declines in tourism arrivals. He said while Canadian visitors have helped to offset some of the negative numbers, the state is especially affected by the deteriorated economic conditions in California and Japan. He said promotion is especially important now in the West Coast market. Hotels are also feeling the pinch. David Carey, president and CEO of Outrigger Enterprises Group, said while occupancy in high-end properties remains solid, the declines are notable in Hawai'i's traditional hotel... [read full story]