Hospitality Advisors: Island Timeshare Visitors Decrease

The Big Island was the only county to see a decrease, albeit slight, in timeshare visitors during the second quarter of this year, according to the “Hawai’i Timeshare Quarterly Survey Report,” released Monday by the Hawai’i Tourism Authority and Hospitality Advisors, LLC.

The report showed that the state saw a 4.8 percent increase in timeshare usage by visitors coming to Hawai’i, with about one in 10 visitors deciding to spend at least a portion of their trip in a timeshare. All islands, except for the Big Island, saw an increase in timeshare usage in comparison to the same period last year. Timeshare visitors to Hawai’i County dipped 0.4 percent.

Quarterly numbers covered April through June this year.

On the other hand, the Big Island had the highest share of transient guest room nights of any island in the state, coming in at 22.4 percent. The island also had the most timeshare exchange visitors (28.4 percent) and transient use visitors (18.8 percent).

According to those surveyed, the Big Island generated $1.9 million in taxes between April and June of this year. Most of that total, $1.1 million, was in real property taxes. Some timeshare owners decided not to participate in the survey.

There was a slight decrease in resort operations employment from April 1 to June 30. A total of 623 people, nine fewer than the previous count on April 1, were employed in these positions. In sales and marketing, however, five positions were added from April 1 to June 30, bringing the total to 265. The survey stated that job fluctuation mainly occurred at “medium-sized branded properties.”

Statewide, an 89.3 percent occupancy rate was reported at timeshares, compared to an average 76.1 percent occupancy rate at hotels and condominiums. A total of $12.3 million was generated statewide in taxes.

“As a research-based organization, the HTA utilizes various data-driven studies to monitor and respond to different facets of the tourism industry,” said Ronald Williams, CEO of the state’s tourism agency. “Timeshares have become increasingly popular, therefore this ongoing study will provide us with valuable insight into the market and how it impacts the rest of our tourism economy.”