November 2015:
In This Issue
A Message from HTA's President and CEO
Market Updates
Virgin America Lands in Hawaii with Sir Richard Branson
Tickets on Sale for U.S. Women's Soccer and Fed Cup
Save the Date for HTA's 2015 Winter Marketing Update
In the News
Save the Date
Nov. 19
(Maui)

Tuesdays and Wednesdays
(Kauai)

Dec. 6
(Maui)

Dec. 19
(Hawaii Island)
Marketing Highlights


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A Message from HTA's President and CEO

Aloha,

It has been nearly six months as the HTA's president and CEO. And while I feel as though much has been accomplished in that short time, I also see there is still work that lies ahead.

I have had the pleasure of meeting with many of you this past August at our Tourism Conference, where more than 1,100 were in attendance. I have also spent some time traveling to Japan, China and the West Coast to meet with our contractors and in-market industry stakeholders. These trips have provided me the opportunity to see first-hand where there are opportunities for us to grow and build momentum within our major market areas.

As we look ahead to 2016, we know that we will have to work collaboratively to continue to growth we have experienced over the last four years. I look forward to continuing to build on our partnerships as we move forward.

Mahalo,

George D. Szigeti
Market Updates 

VISITOR DATA

YTD through Sept.                         2015               2014       %Chng

Visitor Expend. ($mil.)           $11,307.4        $11,012.9          2.6%

Visitor Arrivals                        6,500,828        6,243,062          4.1%

The full report is available here. 
 

AIRLIFT OUTLOOK

Nov. - Jan.                                  2015                2014      %Chng

TOTAL SEATS                      2,992,520        2,894,417        3.4%

Domestic                              2,042,999          1,937,155        5.5%

International                           949,521             957,262        -0.8%

The full report is available here.

Virgin America Lands in Hawaii with Sir Richard Branson

On Nov. 2, Virgin America launched its first flight from San Francisco to Honolulu with VIPs and celebrities on board including Virgin Group founder, Sir Richard Branson; Virgin America CEO, David Cush; actor Joe Manganiello; and HTA's president and CEO George D. Szigeti.

Upon arrival, passengers were welcomed by a red carpet and greeted by students of Aha Punana Leo, which Virgin provided a donation to help perpetuate the Hawaiian language. Gov. David Ige was also present to greet Sir Richard Branson taut the benefits the flights will bring to the state. 

Beginning on Dec. 3 Virgin America will also launch a second route from San Francisco to Kahului, Maui. Collectively, the two routes are estimated to contribute $136 million in visitor spending per year and $14.4 million in state tax revenue.

Flights can be booked at www.virginamerica.com.
Tickets on Sale for U.S. Women's Soccer and Fed Cup
Two major sporting events will be coming to the Hawaiian Islands this winter that will draw top athletes in their respective fields. In addition to drawing visitors and showcasing the state during the traditionally colder winter months on the U.S. mainland, the events provide residents the opportunity to see professional athletes compete in Hawaii.


Tickets have gone on sale for the U.S. Women's National Team as a part of their Victory Tour. They will be playing Trinidad and Tobago at Aloha Stadium on Dec. 6.

On Feb. 6 and 7, 2016, the U.S. will play Poland for the Fed Cup at the Holua Tennis Center on Hawaii Island. Two-day ticket packages go on sale on Friday, Dec. 11 and single day tickets will go on sale on Jan. 8.

For more information on U.S. Women's soccer, click here and for more information on the Fed Cup, click here.
Save the Date for HTA's 2015 Winter Marketing Update
The HTA and its global contractors representing the following regions: Oceania, China, Korea, Taiwan, Europe, Latin America, as well as the new Southeast Asia market, will be providing their 2016 marketing plan presentations. The Winter Marketing Update will take place at the Hawaii Convention Center Liliu Theater on Tuesday, Dec. 8 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Capacity is limited so registration is required to attend the 2015 Winter Marketing Update. For more information and to register, click here. 

The schedule is as follows:
  • 8:00-8:30 a.m. - Registration
  • 8:30-8:45 a.m. - Welcome remarks
  • 8:45-9:05 a.m. - China presentation
  • 9:05-9:25 a.m. - Taiwan presentation
  • 9:25-9:50 a.m. - Southeast Asia presentation
  • 9:50-10:05 a.m. - Q&A
  • 10:05-10:20 a.m. - Break
  • 10:20-10:40 a.m. - Korea presentation
  • 10:40-11 a.m. - Europe presentation
  • 11-11:20 a.m. - Oceania presentation
  • 11:20-11:35 a.m. - Q&A
  • 11:35-11:45 a.m. - Closing remarks and Pau
HTA recognizes the use of the 'okina ['] or glottal stop, one of the eight consonants of the (modern) Hawaiian language; and the kahakō[ā] or macron (e.g., in place names of Hawai'i such as Lāna'i). However, HTA respects the individual use of these markings for names of organizations and businesses. Due to technological limitations, this current communication may not include all Hawaiian diacritical markings.