Hawaii tourist arrivals and spending are continuing on a downward spiral with further decline expected over the coming months, according to the Hawaii Tourism Authority.
Visitor arrivals fell slightly to just under 640,000 in April and they spent 2.2% less than the corresponding month a year ago.
The HTA forecasts continued slowdown for the remainder of the second quarter which is a traditionally quieter period.
HTA CEO Mike McCartney says the strength of the US dollar against international currencies is hurting visitor spending.
McCartney also cited the decline in cruise ship arrivals as a contributing factor.
Cruise business fell 18.9%, partly due to limited access to harbors in the Islands.
"We recently issued a request for proposals for maritime vessel scheduling software, which will help to establish an integrated system that will ease vessel scheduling to accommodate more cruise ships throughout the Hawaiian Islands," McCartney said.
He said the HTA continues its focus on diversifying international markets with campaigns in Australia, New Zealand, China, Korea, and Latin America.
