Governor Addresses Hawai`i Travel Industry Leaders
Speaking at a critical time for Hawai`i's visitor industry and economy, Governor Lingle delivered keynote remarks at the 12th annual Travel Weekly Hawai`i Leadership Forum. The Governor highlighted the strengths of Hawai`i's visitor industry, as well as opportunities for growth in this global economic climate.
From left: Bob Sullivan, publisher, Travel Weekly; Governor Lingle; Arnie Weissmann, editor-in-chief, Travel Weekly; and Kelly Hoen, general manager, Royal Hawaiian Hotel.
"Today, we are dealing with the worst global financial crisis since Hawai`i's statehood, and it is your industry that will lead us out again," Governor Lingle said. "It is imperative that we move now to enact proactive marketing strategies," Governor Lingle continued. "We must increase investment in the tourism industry and continue supporting each other and working together. There is no time to lose."
The Governor noted a recent industry report by Hawai`i economist Dr. Leroy Laney, that highlighted why tourism is a beneficial industry to have as a mainstay of Hawai`i's economy. In addition to encouraging the preservation of local culture, it also creates jobs and supports retailers, attractions and restaurants. Four out of every five jobs in Hawai`i depend on the visitor industry.
Dr. Laney also emphasized the need for measures that will boost the visitor industry so that the rest of Hawai‘i’s economy can recover.
With Hawai`i's visitor industry reeling from decreased hotel occupancy rates, as well as fewer visitor arrivals and a drop in visitor expenditures, Governor Lingle questioned legislators' logic in passing, and later overriding her veto of the increase in the Transient Accommodations Tax, which raises the hotel room tax in Hawai`i by 28 percent.
Governor Lingle discusses Hawai`i's tourism industry with 250 local, national and international travel leaders.
"An increase in the hotel room tax is counter productive to our efforts to market Hawai`i as an affordable, value destination; but we still have positives on our side, including high visitor satisfaction," the Governor said.
The Governor also noted that her Administration is investing in the industry by modernizing Hawai`i's airports, harbors and highways, as well as repairing and maintaining state parks, small boat harbors and trails frequented by visitors.
"We need these projects to create jobs, enhance residents' quality of life and to make visitors feel welcome the second they step off an airplane or cruise ship," Governor Lingle said. "We don't want them to hit potholes on their way to hotels, sit in traffic, or be disappointed in their experience at our airports. The worst mistake we can make is to put these projects on hold."
In closing, the Governor said that at this critical point in our economy, now is not the time to operate in a "business as usual" fashion.
"The visitor industry has always been a business leader in our state, representing some of our state's largest employers and sharing the best qualities of our islands with the world, day-in and day-out. We must continue to put innovative and shared solutions into action.”
