After the devastating Maui fire, government officials warned tourists to stay away. Now, a month later, they want — need — them back.
Maui is dependent on tourism and without the usual visitors, the entire Island is struggling. Reportedly, almost 5,000 fewer tourists are showing up, which is costing approximately $9 million a day.
Since the fire impacted West Maui, officials are saying ‘come back.’
“The south side of Maui is wide open,” Jerry Gibson, the president of the Hawaii Hotel Alliance said. “Tragically, right now, because of the earlier message, tourism is not coming in there.”
All across Maui, beaches are empty, rental cars are sitting unused, and flights are arriving half-full.