In 2002, more than 300,000 teenagers in the 13-17 age group came to Hawaii. Most traveled with their parents but a fifth of them came in school groups. On average, students spend about $1,000 for air fare, hotel and transportation. They bring anywhere from $300 to $500 in pocket money.
About one in five international travelers are youth. The U.S. market for student travel is multi-billion dollar, according to the Student and Youth Travel Association of North America. Canada says its market is $12 billion.
The teens are welcome but they are not a target market for the state, says Frank Haas, director of marketing for the Hawaii Tourism Authority. The state wants visitors who spend more, and school groups on a budget just don't fit the bill.
Operators of hotels and visitor attractions disagree. Teen tourists fill the rooms and keep ticket sales ticking during the slow periods in spring and fall, they say. So individual properties and attractions promote the market on their own. They also create special programs, rates and security guidelines to cater to this market's needs.
The tourism industry hopes that by getting to them young, Hawaii will become a destination of choice for that generation.
"It's like a McDonald's happy meal," said Moa Mahe, president of Present Hawaii, a local organizer of youth travel groups and events.
"I go to McDonald's and eat because my kids want to eat a happy meal," he said. "If we can give the kids a vacation to remember, that's where they will want to come back -- with their family, for their honeymoon and their kids."
Man I wish I was one of those kids going to Hawaii. I have never been out of this lame state, with the exception of Disney World when I was 7.
I think the senior trip for my class was going to Disneyland. I don't think anyone went besides 5-6 people. If it were Hawaii, I'm sure more people would have gone.
I can see why teens aren't the target market. They aren't able to legally drink/buy alcohol.
Maybe that's one of the few reasons why teen tourists are not considered as a target market by the tourism industry. The other reason may also be because of monetary reasons, we all know that some teen rely on their parents for their spendings and their budget for a vacation isn't as big as their parents. However, when you think about it, it might also be wise to include teen tourist on their target market. And i quote on what Moa Mahe stated "...they will want to come back -- with their family, for their honeymoon and their kids.""... Thanks for posting this.
Stephen
Good point. But still, if there are few tourists (like in some really short periods of the year) students may be the solution.