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Maui's tourist growth to be limited by infrastructure
In today's Maui News, there was an interesting story about how lack of adequate infrastructure is going to start impacting the growth of tourism on Maui. Part of it is because of the popularity of the island with tourists but also because several large hotels are being demolished and converted into pricier units to cater to the wealthy.
When you lose 200-300 units of "affordable" hotel rooms simultaneously, it eventually will pinch the local tourist economy. So I guess the strategy is going to have to be: "cater to the WEALTHY tourists--so you need fewer of them-- and let the budget minded tourists take their business to Kauai, Oahu or the Big Island". Yeah, right, that's the ticket: bring more rich people to Maui who spend beaucoup bux on everything from their hotel room to spa services (this is one thing Steve Case is getting into right now on Maui). Forget the people who save for years and years to make their dream trip to Hawai'i.
At least, there is an acknowledgement on the part of the County government and tourism officials that there is going to be a limit to the number of tourists the island can sustain at any one time.
"...Barry Wallace, an executive vice president for hotel chain Outrigger Enterprises, said his company, which operates 22 hotels in Hawaii, is one that needs to be more selective in who it markets to.
“Our initiative has been to focus on targeting the very, very best guests – the ones who will take advantage of activities and other amenities we have to offer,” he said. “That’s been the focus of our marketing for the last two years, and it certainly will be from this point forward.”
Vencl says the overall strength means MVB’s marketing efforts will be directed at “filling in pukas” rather than trying to drive peaks ever higher.
That could mean looking to different metropolitan marketing areas, likely on the East Coast, where airlift is improving...."
Miulang
In today's Maui News, there was an interesting story about how lack of adequate infrastructure is going to start impacting the growth of tourism on Maui. Part of it is because of the popularity of the island with tourists but also because several large hotels are being demolished and converted into pricier units to cater to the wealthy.
When you lose 200-300 units of "affordable" hotel rooms simultaneously, it eventually will pinch the local tourist economy. So I guess the strategy is going to have to be: "cater to the WEALTHY tourists--so you need fewer of them-- and let the budget minded tourists take their business to Kauai, Oahu or the Big Island". Yeah, right, that's the ticket: bring more rich people to Maui who spend beaucoup bux on everything from their hotel room to spa services (this is one thing Steve Case is getting into right now on Maui). Forget the people who save for years and years to make their dream trip to Hawai'i.
At least, there is an acknowledgement on the part of the County government and tourism officials that there is going to be a limit to the number of tourists the island can sustain at any one time.
"...Barry Wallace, an executive vice president for hotel chain Outrigger Enterprises, said his company, which operates 22 hotels in Hawaii, is one that needs to be more selective in who it markets to.
“Our initiative has been to focus on targeting the very, very best guests – the ones who will take advantage of activities and other amenities we have to offer,” he said. “That’s been the focus of our marketing for the last two years, and it certainly will be from this point forward.”
Vencl says the overall strength means MVB’s marketing efforts will be directed at “filling in pukas” rather than trying to drive peaks ever higher.
That could mean looking to different metropolitan marketing areas, likely on the East Coast, where airlift is improving...."
Miulang
Will the pawn and antique shops that now line Market St. make way to yupscale restaurants and shops? 
"Bohemian" indeed!
Now going get one more sushi place (Kozo Sushi still on Market St. or what?) on Market St.? Even Molina's Bar something else now, yeah?
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