HONOLULU (AP) — The Hawaii Tourism Authority reports visitor spending jumped more than 12 percent in March compared with the same month last year.
HONOLULU (AP) — The Hawaii Tourism Authority reports visitor spending jumped more than 12 percent in March compared with the same month last year.
The state agency said Friday spending by tourists topped $1.4 billion last month.
The number of tourists coming to Hawaii exceeded 800,000, which is 2 percent more than in March 2016.
Japanese travelers led the gains. That’s attributed to Hawaiian Airlines’ launch of a direct flight from Tokyo to Kailua-Kona in December and increased air service from Japan to Honolulu.
The agency says Japanese visitor spending surged more than 20 percent. Travelers from Japan grew by 9 percent.
CEO George Szigeti is calling March “a truly remarkable month.” He says it’s a sign the Hawaiian Islands continue to be a favorite destination for global travelers.