Hawaii tourism decline slowing

HONOLULU, June 26 (UPI) -- Tourism industry officials say while tourism in Hawaii dropped by 6.9 percent in May, the drop nonetheless marked a slight improvement for the islands.

Hawaii hotel executive David Carey is among those taking less pessimistic approach to the May tourism numbers in the tropical U.S. state following 10 straight months of double-digit drops, The Honolulu Advertiser said Friday.

"I feel less bad but I'm not optimistic," Carey said. "We're still holding on by our fingernails."

The Outrigger Enterprises Group president credited lower fuel prices, discounts at Hawaii hotels and increased tourism marketing for slowing the decline in visitors.

May also saw a 15 percent drop in tourism earnings in Hawaii compared with May 2008. The Advertiser said the final totals for May 2009 were $133 million.

Hawaiian Island Creations general manager B.J. Yap said the tourism earnings decline was due in part to travelers being more frugal with their cash.

"They're looking for deals," Yap told the Advertiser.