A year after Maui fires, tourism nears a US$1 billion deficit

A year after Maui fires, tourism nears a US$1 billion deficit
Wailea is just one of Maui's many pristine beaches that have been eerily quiet. Before the disaster, they were like magnets to tourists. (Image: Hawaii Tourism Authority / Tor Johnson)
Bloomberg
By Jen MurphyNearly one year after devastating wildfires killed more than 100 people and decimated the historic town of Lahaina on the west side of Maui in Hawaii, travellers are still unclear whether they’re welcome. That lingering uncertainty has created nearly US$1 billion (NZ$1.66b) in lost revenue for the island, which has historically relied on tourism for 70% of every dollar in its economy, according to the Maui Economic Development Board.Officially, all of Maui – with the exception of the burn zone in Lahaina – ha...

More Tourism

Auckland Airport ‘just asking questions’ about airline competition
Infrastructure

Auckland Airport ‘just asking questions’ about airline competition

Regional NZ flyers are bearing a particular brunt, the airport says.

Pattrick Smellie 20 Feb 2025
Tourism industry struggles to keep up
Economy

Tourism industry struggles to keep up

Where to for NZ tourism in the long-term after NZ is done with its Briscoes-style sale?

Dileepa Fonseka 20 Feb 2025
From '100% Pure' to 40% Off
Economy

From '100% Pure' to 40% Off

Is a new ad campaign too 'Briscoes sale' for NZ's global brand?

Dileepa Fonseka 18 Feb 2025
Govt targets ‘digital nomads’ with new visa rules
Law & Regulation

Govt targets ‘digital nomads’ with new visa rules

The Government is loosening visa requirements to lure high-spending “digital nomads”.From Monday, tourists can work remotely for foreign employers while holidaying.The new rules apply to all visitor visas, including tourists, people visiting family, and partners and guardians on...

Staff reporters 27 Jan 2025