Will Tourism Bounce Back on the Big Island of Hawaii in 2020? Waikoloa Vacation Rentals Provides Insights
Some insights relating to COVID-19 and tourism by a vacation rental specialist that has been involved in vacation rentals on the Big Island of Hawaii over three decades
WAIKOLOA, Hawaii, May 4, 2020 (Newswire.com) - There are many speculations out there regarding how COVID-19 will ultimately affect tourism in Hawaii, but there are few with regards to the Big Island specifically. Waikoloa Vacation Rentals has looked at what has happened thus far and how this will affect the Big Island of Hawaii in the coming months. Rob Dalton, owner of Waikoloa Vacation Rentals, states, "In order for tourism to bounce back in Hawaii in 2020, the plan to reopen tourism has to be well thought out and done in a timely manner."
First, when Hawaii began to attempt to shut down vacationers coming into the state, they were successful. Most hotels shut down and almost all vacation rental business or hotels that are open will more than likely have an occupancy of less than 10% for the months of April and May. Most vacation industry executives agreed with this move. While this was Hawaii's move, many other countries have limited their citizens from leaving the country through the rest of the summer, ultimately causing out-of-country travelers to cancel through August.
The shutting down of tourism in April and May caused the airlines to adjust. This is currently the most influential factor affecting tourism once travel opens back up. Currently, Delta is the only larger airline that flies into Kona International Airport. Due to this, properties such as Kolea at Waikoloa Beach Resort on the Big Island of Hawaii have seen cancellations in the summer due to the lack of direct flights into Kona International Airport. Due to this, they are choosing to go to Oahu or Maui since there are still direct flights there.
Due to these factors, there are a lot of things that have to happen in order for tourism to bounce back on the Big Island of Hawaii in 2020. First, the State has to remove the quarantine. Second, the airlines have to open back up to offer more flights and more direct flights. All of this will have to happen rapidly in order for the Big Island of Hawaii to have a chance at having a decent summer in relation to tourism.
Media Contact:
Rob Dalton
Waikoloa Vacation Rentals
waikoloavrm@aol.com
Source: Waikoloa Vacation Rentals