Tourist satisfaction declined in the first half of this year

Although visitors were highly satisfied with their experience in Hawaii in the first half of 2006, their approval ratings declined from the year before, apparently the result of weather-related problems that plagued the state early this year.

Almost two-thirds of U.S. and Canadian visitors rated their most recent trip to Hawaii excellent, according to a visitor satisfaction survey released yesterday by the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. However, the state’s overall satisfaction rating by these visitors fell in three out of four categories compared to the same period in 2005.

Approval ratings were still high for Japan, Canada and Europe, but satisfaction levels in these markets fell in all categories versus the year-earlier period.
The survey, released twice a year, examines visitors to Hawaii from its top five tourism markets: the U.S. West, U.S. East, Japan, Canada and Europe. The report gathers opinions on satisfaction with their most recent Hawaii vacation, trip expectations, likelihood to recommend Hawaii, likelihood to revisit Hawaii, reasons for not revisiting Hawaii, satisfaction by island, and trip-planning timeline.

A good indicator of a high-quality experience is how many visitors’ expectations are exceeded, State Tourism Liaison Marsha Wienert said.

“High visitor satisfaction ensures a strong visitor industry,” Wienert said.

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(Source: Honolulu Star-Bulletin)