A new economic impact report released by the American
Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) and the Hawai’i Hotel Alliance has
revealed the Honolulu hotel industry’s far-reaching impact on the island’s
economy.
The study found
that Honolulu hotel operations and visitor spending generate $12 billion in
economic activity, support 63,912 jobs, and contribute $1.9 billion in federal,
state, and local tax revenue.
“Honolulu’s hotels are more than places to stay. They are
centers of opportunity,” said Rosanna Maietta, President & CEO of the
American Hotel & Lodging Association in a statement. “This new data
underscores how deeply our industry is woven into the city’s economic and
social fabric. When hotels thrive, they create good-paying jobs, support small
businesses, and deliver essential tax revenue that benefits every Hawai’i
resident. Continued investment and smart policy will continue to fuel that
momentum.”
Jerry Gibson, President of the Hawai’i Hotel Alliance added,
“Hotels are the backbone of Honolulu’s economy – supporting tens of thousands
of local workers, sourcing from island-based businesses, and keeping our
communities vibrant in every corner of the state. When visitors choose to stay
here, their spending ripples far beyond the hotel walls – helping local farms,
restaurants, shops, and entertainers succeed. As we continue to grow, strong
support for hospitality ensures our local economy remains resilient and ready
for the future. Our industry’s success is Hawai’i’s success.”
Key report findings indicate the hotel industry in Honolulu:
- Generates $12 billion in economic activity.
- Directly employs 18,088 hotel jobs, providing
$1.4 billion in annual wages.
- Contributes $830.9 million in annual federal tax
revenue.
- Contributes $722.2 million in annual state tax
revenue.
- Contributes $329.9 million in annual local tax
revenue.
Honolulu is home to 29,112 hotel guest rooms with nearly 8.6
million annual hotel room nights sold across 93 hotel properties. Future hotel
investment in Honolulu includes 997 rooms in development.
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