The benefits of responsible tourism on Hawaii’s economy

Hawaii is a place of natural beauty, cultural diversity, and warm hospitality. But it is also a place that depends heavily on tourism, which is the largest single source of private capital for Hawaii’s economy. In 2019, Hawaii’s tourism economy recorded $17.75 billion in visitor spending, supporting 216,000 jobs and generating $2.07 billion in state tax revenue¹. However, tourism also comes with costs and challenges, such as environmental degradation, cultural erosion, social inequality, and overcrowding. That’s why responsible tourism is essential for Hawaii’s economy. Responsible tourism is tourism that minimizes negative impacts and maximizes positive benefits for the environment, the society, and the culture of the destination. Here are some benefits of responsible tourism on Hawaii’s economy:

1. It enhances the quality and value of Hawaii’s tourism product

Responsible tourism enhances the quality and value of Hawaii’s tourism product by offering authentic and sustainable experiences that showcase Hawaii’s natural beauty and cultural diversity. By supporting local businesses and communities that respect the environment and the culture of Hawaii, responsible tourism creates a competitive advantage for Hawaii as a destination that attracts visitors who appreciate and value its uniqueness and richness. By promoting conservation and restoration of Hawaii’s natural and cultural resources, responsible tourism ensures the long-term viability and attractiveness of Hawaii’s tourism product.

2. It increases visitor spending and satisfaction

Responsible tourism increases visitor spending and satisfaction by providing more opportunities and incentives for visitors to spend on local products and services that benefit the local economy and society. By encouraging visitors to participate in activities that use non-polluting power sources, such as hiking, biking, kayaking, or sailing, responsible tourism reduces transportation costs and emissions while increasing visitor enjoyment and appreciation of Hawaii’s natural beauty. By encouraging visitors to eat at family-run restaurants that serve fresh and local ingredients, such as South Shore Grill near Diamond Head crater or Merriman’s on Kauai, Maui, Oahu, and Big Island², responsible tourism supports local farmers and fishermen while offering visitors a taste of Hawaii’s cuisine and culture.

3. It creates more jobs and income opportunities for locals

Responsible tourism creates more jobs and income opportunities for locals by supporting local entrepreneurs and workers who offer authentic and sustainable products and services that cater to the needs and preferences of visitors. By supporting local guides and tour operators who respect the nature and culture of Hawaii, responsible tourism creates employment and income opportunities for locals who have knowledge and skills that are valuable and unique to Hawaii. By supporting local markets and boutiques that sell handmade crafts and souvenirs made from natural or recycled materials, responsible tourism supports local artisans and craftsmen who have creativity and talent that are distinctive and attractive to visitors.

4. It stimulates innovation and collaboration among stakeholders

Responsible tourism stimulates innovation and collaboration among stakeholders by creating a shared vision and goal for Hawaii’s tourism development that is aligned with its environmental, social, and cultural values. By engaging and involving various stakeholders in the public and private sectors, as well as civil society and academia, in the design and implementation of responsible tourism policies and programs, responsible tourism fosters a culture of cooperation and co-creation that builds trust and social capital. By attracting local and global investors and partners who support Hawaii’s responsible tourism vision and goals, responsible tourism stimulates innovation and entrepreneurship that drive Hawaii’s economic growth.

These are some benefits of responsible tourism on Hawaii’s economy. By practicing responsible tourism, visitors not only enjoy Hawaii’s natural beauty and diversity, but also contribute to its economic development and well-being. By pursuing responsible tourism, Hawaii not only benefits from its visitors, but also protects its environment, society, and culture.