MAUI, HAWAII, March 5, 2015 – The Maui Invitational attracted nearly 5,000 visitors and generated $13.3 million in visitor spending, an increase of nearly five percent from 2013, for the Maui Island in 2014. In all, the Maui Invitational has contributed more than $190 million to the local island economy since the Tournament's inception in 1984, welcoming 108 different schools from 40 states and Washington D.C. to the county of Maui.
 
"Each year, our local businesses, restaurants and hotels are proud to host eight of the nation's best college basketball teams, along with thousands of fans looking to enjoy the culture, beauty and lifestyle of the Aloha Spirit," said Terryl Vencl, executive director of the Maui Visitors and Convention Bureau. "This Tournament makes an immediate economic impact in our community and showcases the island in front of millions of viewers, and potential visitors, around the world."
 
The Hawaiian culture was on full display during the 2014 Maui Invitational. All 12 games at the Lahaina Civic Center were televised live to a national audience by the ESPN family of networks, with more than 4.5 million viewers tuning in. In addition, Tournament games were seen internationally on ESPN Caribbean and ESPN Pacific Rim.
 
Arizona claimed its second Tournament title this past November, defeating San Diego State in a battle of top-15 programs. BYU, Kansas State, Missouri, Pittsburgh, Purdue and host Chaminade also took part in the 2014 Maui Invitational.
 
The 2015 Maui Invitational, scheduled for Nov. 23-25, will feature four of the winningest programs in college basketball history, including Indiana, Kansas, St. John's and UCLA. The quartet will also be joined by UNLV, Wake Forest and Vanderbilt, along with host Chaminade, for the 32nd annual event at the Lahaina Civic Center. All-Tournament Reserved Travel Packages are now on sale. To purchase, log on to www.mauiinvitational.com/travel or contact the Tournament Travel Department at 800-826-3822.