The Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) is preparing for an influx of Aussie visitors in 2012 as a new report revealed scheduled air seats from Australia would almost double in 2012's first quarter.
HTA's Airline Seat Capacity Outlook Report showed nonstop seats from Sydney to Honolulu would jump 40.4% from 38,980 in January to March 2011 to 54,743 over the same period this year.
The spike is the result of considerable capacity increases by both Hawaiian Airlines and Jetstar on the route before Christmas.
The quarter will also see 7,371 seats from Melbourne and a further 7,371 from Brisbane as the result of new Air Australia services which launched in December.
HTA tourism brand manager Mike Story attributed the Aussie boom largely to the strength of the Australian dollar.
"That coupled with some very good pricing and new availability of services is really helping us tap into the market," he told Travel Today.
HTA estimates that 2011 year end numbers will hit 187,000. That number is expected to rise in 2012 with 204,765 Aussies projected.
Story stressed the importance of the Australian market for the destination, with Australian visitors tending to visit during spring and autumn, Hawaii's quieter "shoulder seasons".
In addition, Aussies were spending well, making the most of their holidays by forking out on adventure experiences and travelling around the islands.
"The Australian spend is very strong and has a great impact for us," Story said.
In 2010, Australia had a total annual expenditure of US$329 million and spent an average $206 per person per day, a figure which HTA expects will rise considerably in 2012.
