How Big Island Hawaii’s community tourism industry is adapting to the challenges of COVID-19

How Big Island Hawaii’s Community Tourism Industry is Adapting to the Challenges of COVID-19 #BigIslandAdventure

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the tourism industry worldwide, and Big Island Hawaii is no exception. However, despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, Big Island Hawaii’s community tourism industry is adapting and finding ways to continue promoting sustainable development and supporting local communities. In this blog post, we’ll explore how Big Island Hawaii’s community tourism industry is adapting to the challenges of COVID-19.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the tourism industry in Hawaii. The state was one of the first to require out-of-state travelers to quarantine upon arrival, which combined with public concerns over the safety of flying, led to a significant decline in tourism ¹. This decline had a major impact on Hawaii’s economy, which relies heavily on tourism ².

Despite these challenges, Big Island Hawaii’s community tourism industry is finding ways to adapt and continue promoting sustainable development and supporting local communities. One way that the industry is adapting is by focusing on domestic tourism. With nationwide vaccination efforts mitigating the impact of the pandemic, there has been a surge in domestic tourism in Hawaii ³. This has provided an opportunity for local businesses and entrepreneurs to continue engaging with tourists and promoting sustainable development.

In addition to focusing on domestic tourism, Big Island Hawaii’s community tourism industry is also adapting by implementing new health and safety measures. These measures are designed to protect both tourists and local residents while also allowing tourism activities to continue. By implementing these measures, local businesses and entrepreneurs can continue to provide authentic and meaningful experiences for tourists while also supporting local communities.

The state’s COVID-19 recovery also included The Hawaiian Tourism Authority awarding a grant of over €1,700,000 towards stewardship programs that would “manage, conserve, and revitalize Hawaiiʻs natural resources and environment” ⁴. This grant will help support initiatives that promote sustainable development and support local communities.

In conclusion, despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Big Island Hawaii’s community tourism industry is adapting and finding ways to continue promoting sustainable development and supporting local communities. By focusing on domestic tourism, implementing new health and safety measures, and supporting stewardship programs, the industry is demonstrating its resilience and commitment to promoting sustainable development on Big Island Hawaii. #BigIslandAdventure

Source:
(1) Can Hawaii reset its stressed out tourism industry after the pandemic …. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/jun/21/hawaii-tourism-industry-after-covid.
(2) Facing Economic Devastation, Hawaii Attempts To Revive Tourism. https://www.npr.org/2020/10/20/925795410/facing-economic-devastation-hawaii-attempts-to-revive-tourism.
(3) Hawai´i’s Tourism Industry Rebounding Faster Than Expected. https://bigislandnow.com/2021/05/27/hawaiis-tourism-industry-rebounding-faster-than-expected/.
(4) Hawaii overtourism: Residents beg tourists to stop visiting amid post …. https://www.euronews.com/travel/2022/05/03/hawaiian-overtourism-residents-beg-tourists-to-stop-visiting-amid-post-pandemic-boom.