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(Tumon, Guam) — The Guam Visitors Bureau (GVB) Board of Directors came together today at the GVB Headquarters in Tumon to discuss plans for boosting tourism, including potential airline incentives and the budget for next fiscal year.
A key action item for the board included a presentation, discussion and approval of the FY2026 Airline Incentive Program, a crucial initiative to bolster air service to the island. GVB had requested $11.1 million in FY2026 to retain new flight routes and keep airplanes landing at the Guam International Airport. The 38th Guam Legislature appropriated $10M in the recent passing of the FY2026 Budget, which is pending Executive approval.
GVB President and CEO Régine Biscoe Lee stated that these airline incentives are a direct investment in Guam’s working families, noting every additional flight to Guam generates revenue that flows into the community through hotel stays, restaurant dining, shopping, and tours. Lee also explained that increased visitor spending helps sustain jobs, strengthen small businesses, and provide greater economic stability for the thousands of island residents whose livelihoods depend on tourism.
If approved, the GVB Board of Directors authorized GVB President & CEO Biscoe Lee to expend funds toward GVB’s 3-prong strategy, which includes co-op marketing, load factor incentives and turnaround support. Airline incentives are a commonly used tool for tourism recovery and long-term route development in many destinations, including Thailand, Vietnam, Hong Kong, LA and New York. Guam seeks to employ this tool in order to compete with other destinations for limited aircraft over the next 18 months.
During the Chairman’s Report, Board Chairman George Chiu thanked GVB management for working with the Recovery Committee and for the bureau’s hard work on the Tumon Night Market, which has had a positive impact on local businesses big and small, residents, and visitors alike.
GVB’s Management Report addressed the shortage of Tourism Attraction Funds (TAF) and that GVB will be operating on reserve funds until the end of this fiscal year. GVB President & CEO expressed gratitude and credit to GVB’s senior management team.
“I am so grateful to the leadership of Vice President Gerry Perez, Director of Finance Rudd Gudmalin, and former President & CEO (Carl) Gutierrez for their foresight and preparation to keep operations running in a TAF (Tourism Attraction Fund) deficit,” Lee said as Director of Finance Rudd Gudmalin confirmed GVB’s ability to sustain its operational budget for the rest of the fiscal year.
Also addressed was the approval of FY2025 Purchase Orders, Contracts, Invitation for Bids (IFBs), and Requests for Proposals (RFPs). Specific RFPs that were discussed and approved for advancement included:
Contracts:
RFP 2025-005 Destination Marketing Services in Taiwan
RFP 2025-009 South Korea Destination Marketing Services RFP
RFP 2025-007 Concierge Services
RFPs:
RFP 2025-012 Tourism Destination CRM, CMS, & Website Services
RFP 2025-016 GVB Guam Liaison in Taiwan
RFP 2025-017 Electronic Declaration Form
RFP 2025-018 Legal Services
RFP 2025-019 Insurance Brokerage Services
Recovery Committee Chairman Mark Baldyga presented an update on progress with air service development, signature events including the Tumon Night Market, marketing and destination development.
Other business included the election of Mr. Brian Artero as the 12th GVB board member, who will be requested to accept the position. The meeting adjourned with the next board meeting scheduled for September 25, 2025.
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