A boost from holiday tourism doesn't
appear likely for Maui, and business
and tourism leaders in the devastated area
of Hawaii are blaming the national media, according to Hawaii News Now.
"I hate to say it, but
controversy does sell," said Lisa Paulson with the Maui Hotel &
Lodging Association. “I do feel national media is not digging deeper to
interview more of our island community and really hearing our entire island
community.”
Maui was devastated in August
by a series of wildfires that ruined many of the homes and businesses on the
west side of the island.
Paulson and others are
concerned that the messaging from the national media misrepresents how far Maui
has come and has played a role in reducing tourism.
State travel data shows
domestic passenger arrivals for the first week of December were down 20 to 30
percent compared to last year.
Hotel occupancy, usually between 70 and 80 percent at
Christmas, is estimated to be near 25 percent this year.
“I would have to say our
guests are not coming back because they have seen the messaging, are very
afraid to travel, and are confused,” Paulson said. “And they want to be able to
travel here when it’s appropriate.”
Paulson also said she would like to see more stories in the
national media that encourage, not discourage, travel. Maui has officially been
open for more than two months.
“…economic recovery is so
crucial to our healing,” she said. “We need the revenue stream to help with
rebuilding. We also need people back to work.”
Still,
it’s important to be mindful
and respectful.
This
week, the historic town of Lahaina reopened to residents and business owners
holding day passes, with areas like Banyan Tree Park, the town’s public
library, an elementary school and popular restaurants opening for the first
time since the deadly
August fires.
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