Hawaii Airlift Projections Flat For 2011 Q2

File photo by Wendy Osher.

By Sonia Isotov

In a statement released by the Hawaii Tourism Authority today, Mike McCartney, President and CEO, said that despite an anticipated decrease in airlift from Japan, the overall number of air seats will be relatively flat compared to the same period last year.

Recently, the HTA conducted an updated analysis of airlift projections for the second quarter of 2011 which included an accounting for any changes following the earthquake and tsunami that devastated Japan.

McCartney said that interest in travel to Hawai’i remains strong and mirrors the HTA’s strategy of driving increased demand, particularly from destinations such as the U.S. West, Korea and Australia.

Yesterday, the HTA issued a request for proposals to hire a new contractor for external tourism marketing management services for major markets around the world. In particular, proposals must be able to drive incremental visitation and revenue for Hawaii from Asia, Oceania, Europe, North America, and Japan.