Latest tourism & hospitality news and updates
Ben Rafter's appointment as CEO of a newly merged hospitality company in Hawaii marks a pivotal moment for the industry. His background in tech and extensive experience in the hotel sector position him to lead the company through the complexities of a changing market and drive innovation, potentially influencing how the hospitality sector functions in the state.
Maui's vacation rental market is facing major disruption as proposed bans move forward, igniting substantial outrage among visitors and raising considerable concerns for local businesses.
A proposed gondola project on O'ahu's North Shore is drawing both excitement and concern from community members. The project aims to boost agritourism, but residents are expressing concerns about visual impact and potential environmental consequences.
An interview with Elliot Mills and Jerry Gibson of Hawaii Hospitality Group hints at strategic initiatives timed to align with the current market, emphasizing the importance of adaptability within the state's tourism landscape.
The Los Angeles Rams' decision to host their 2025 training camp in Maui presents a significant boost for Hawaii's tourism and local businesses. This initiative, coupled with a collaboration with a local artist, will showcase the island's unique culture and creative talent, generating opportunities for economic growth.
Maui's tourism sector is set to receive a significant boost with a $6 million marketing investment aimed at revitalizing visitor numbers and supporting local businesses in the wake of recent challenges.
Maui's tourism sector experienced a strong April, with the second-highest visitor count for 2025 so far, signaling continued recovery and offering opportunities for local businesses and investors. This positive trend in visitor arrivals and spending surpasses pre-pandemic levels, despite facing challenges such as the implementation of vacation rental restrictions.
Hawaii's hotel industry faces a complex situation, with stable occupancy rates but increasing costs, creating challenges and opportunities for local businesses.
A new $6 million marketing campaign is launched to revitalize Maui's tourism, aiming to restore visitor confidence and drive travel demand. This initiative, funded by the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority, comes as the island's tourism sector shows signs of recovery, including increased visitor spending and a strengthened focus on showcasing Maui's readiness to receive visitors.
The reassignment of Hawaiian Airlines' Dreamliner to a new European route is a significant strategic shift by Alaska Airlines, impacting Hawaii's tourism sector and raising questions about long-term industry planning.
The recent debate in the Honolulu Star-Advertiser highlights the tension between environmental protection and economic concerns within Hawaii's tourism sector, sparked by the new climate impact fee. This fee, which increases the hotel room tax, has raised questions about who should bear the financial responsibility.
Hawaii is quietly overhauling its tourism strategy, focusing on high-spending visitors and sustainable practices, with potential implications for businesses and investors in the hospitality sector.
Recent volcanic activity at Kilauea, including record-setting lava fountains, has led the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory to update its alert notification system, impacting Hawaii's tourism and requiring businesses to remain vigilant.
Industry veterans Elliot Mills and Jerry Gibson have launched Hawai‘i Hospitality Group, an asset management firm specializing in hotel and resort real estate across the Hawaiian Islands, signaling confidence in the tourism market and potential shifts in the hospitality landscape.
The Ambassador Hotel of Waikiki's transition into the Hilton Tapestry Collection marks the brand's debut in Hawaii, promising a boost to Waikiki's tourism sector. This shift emphasizes a focus on local culture and personalized guest experiences, potentially benefiting local businesses and influencing the broader hospitality landscape.
Outrigger Kāʻanapali Beach Resort is leading World Ocean Month celebrations by hosting various events promoting ocean conservation. This effort is part of a broader strategy that includes partnerships, cultural programs, and resort renovations to enhance guest experiences and underscore the importance of environmental stewardship within the hospitality industry.
A lawsuit reveals that visitors to Honolulu are being arrested for DUI despite passing breathalyzer tests, raising concerns about the Honolulu Police Department's practices and the potential damage to Hawaii's tourism industry.
Hawaii's visitor industry saw growth in April 2025, with increased visitor arrivals and spending compared to the previous year, according to preliminary DBEDT data. This positive trend indicates continued economic recovery and highlights opportunities for businesses in the tourism and hospitality sectors, especially if they cater to repeat visitors who prefer hotels.
Hawaii's tourism industry is experiencing a period of complex transformation, marked by rising costs, shifting airline services, and soaring visitor expenditure, requiring strategic adaptation from investors and entrepreneurs in the sector.
Hawaii has enacted a "green fee" on hotel stays and cruise ship cabins to fund climate change initiatives, making it the first state to do so. This new law will generate substantial revenue for environmental protection and disaster preparedness, impacting the tourism and hospitality industries directly.