September 2025 Edition

Tourism Industry Rallies Behind
GVB's Airline Incentive Request

Members of Guam's tourism industry converged at the Guam Legislature during the FY2026 budget deliberations, demonstrating a united front in support of the Guam Visitors Bureau's (GVB) urgent request for an additional $11.1 million in airline incentives. Representatives from hotels, restaurants, transportation services, and tour businesses underscored the critical need for these funds to retain existing air routes and secure new seat capacity, thereby ensuring a steady flow of visitors to the island. GVB officials presented a compelling case, framing the requested funds not as an expenditure, but as a strategic investment.

They projected that this investment could yield an additional 329,000 visitor arrivals create 6,000 new jobs, and generate an additional $166 million in tax revenue for Guam. The robust attendance of industry workers, from rank-and-file staff to senior management, served as a powerful testament to their collective belief that tourism remains Guam's primary economic engine. Their presence underscored the consensus that legislative approval of GVB's budget request is paramount

for the continued survival and prosperity of the island's tourism sector. Among the prominent organizations and businesses present were the Guam Hotel and Restaurant Association, the Japan Guam Travel Association, and Ken Corporation. Key hotel properties like Hyatt Regency Guam, Pacific Islands Club Guam, and Rhiga Royal Guam Resort also had strong representation, alongside numerous other vital industry partners, all voicing their unwavering support for GVB's initiative. The legislature has since awarded GVB $10M in supplemental funding for the incentives.

Why $11M for Airline Incentives?

To learn more about our airline incentive program, visit our website or click here.

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Popular Korean Group "NPher" Boosts Guam and "Summer Holiday" Social Media Campaign

The Guam Visitors Bureau (GVB) partnered with rising K-pop dance crew Npher to create an exciting promotional video spotlighting Guam’s most iconic travel spots following GVB Korea's launch of the Guam "Summer Holiday" promotion. Formed in 2023, Npher

has quickly gained a strong social media following of over 200k followers combined with their dynamic choreography and engaging performances. Their collaboration with GVB brings Guam’s stunning scenery to life in a fresh, entertaining way for global audiences. Watch the video below!

GVB Launches "Kids Fly Free" Night Flight Promotion to Target Korean Family Travelers

The Guam Visitors Bureau (GVB) has launched its "Kids Fly Free" promotion, offering free airfare for children under 12 on select night flights to Guam from July to August 2025. This initiative targets families traveling on Korean Air, Jin Air, and Jeju Air night flights, leveraging increased seat capacity and night flight options to reduce travel costs. Fuel surcharges and taxes apply.

GVB's Acting President & CEO, Dr. Gerald S.A. Perez, stated that night flights offer practical scheduling advantages and that the promotion strengthens Guam's appeal. The campaign was developed with Korean travel agencies (Hana Tour, Mode Tour, Yellow Balloon Tour, Very Good Tour, Nol Universe) and has exceeded booking projections, with some agencies reporting 25-45% higher customer acquisition rates through live commerce. GVB will promote the campaign through partner travel agency websites and its digital channels.

Guam Weddings Becomes a Hot Topic on Japanese Docu-Drama Spin-off

On August 3, 2025, a spin-off of the documentary drama set in Guam, which has been airing since July 1st, was broadcast. The cast visited Guam during their filming break, showcasing not only tourist spots but also wedding venues. The program highlighted weddings against the beautiful beaches and

chapels of Guam, presenting it as an attractive options for couples considering a destination wedding. Following the broadcast, some viewers expressed interest in having their wedding in Guam, raising awareness of the local culture and natural beauty of the island.

Guam Showcased in Kashiwa's Grand Parade

On July 26, 2025, a Guam delegation led by Sinajana Mayor and GVB Board Director Robert Hofmann proudly represented Guam in the grand parade at the Kashiwa Citizens Festival, one of Japan’s largest local events drawing over 700,000 visitors over two days. The delegation featured Miss UOG Ashley Topasña and

CHamoru cultural performers from Guam and Japan, bringing Guam’s vibrant energy to the streets of Kashiwa and warmly engaging with thousands of festival-goers. It was a powerful moment to share the beauty and spirit of Guam with our friends in Japan. The Guam delegation joined Kashiwa Mayor Kazumi Ota and members of the Kashiwa International Relations Association (KIRA), with whom they met to discuss future sister-city and educational exchanges.

Guam Featured Academic Forum on Austronesian Studies and Seafaring in Taiwan

On July 28, 2025, the GVB's Guam-Taiwan Office (GTO) attended the Academic Forum on Austronesian Studies and Seafaring, which introduced CHamoru seafaring through both technical knowledge and spiritual insight. The event sparked lively exchanges, including academic discussions on canoe housing, and highlighted Guam’s strengths in seafaring and deepened the local understanding of Austronesian navigation and its close ties to nature. Representing Guam at the forum was canoe-builder and navigator Ron Acfalle (shown here with GTO Director Felix Yen), who shared his motivation behind making his Guam-Taiwan voyage. He reflected on cultural continuity, shared vision, and the meaningful actions that bring these values to life.

Getting Ready for the 2025 Taipei International Tourism Expo

The Guam Taiwan Office (GTO) is getting ready for the 2025 Taipei International Travel Expo (TITE) set to take place August 22 - August 25 at the Taipei World Trade Center Exhibition Hall. TITE provides a valuable platform to showcase Guam as a top travel destination, especially for the upcoming autumn holiday season. GTO plans to collaborate with United Airlines and their major travel agencies to promote and sell the direct flight TPE-GUM flight tickets and Guam travel packages at our booth during the event. This will provide visitors with convenient access to exclusive offers and encourage immediate bookings. GTO will conduct a survey to gain deeper insights into Taiwanese travelers and organize on-site events to draw more visitors to our booth.

Guam Renews Push to Include Philippines in Visa Waiver Program

Guam Congressman James Moylan and Guam Visitors Bureau CEO Régine Biscoe Lee have reignited efforts to include the Philippines in the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program. In a formal appeal to U.S. federal agencies, Moylan emphasized the Philippines’ eligibility and strategic importance, citing potential boosts to tourism, economic development, and regional ties. Lee echoed the initiative’s cultural and economic benefits, noting Guam’s deep-rooted connections with the Philippines. The proposal aims to allow Filipino citizens visa-free entry for up to 90 days, enhancing travel ease and supporting Guam’s recovery and growth as a regional gateway. This effort comes at a critical time as the US State Department initiates a 12-month pilot program

that could mandate refundable bonds ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 for B-1 (business) and B-2 (tourist) visa applicants from countries with high overstay rates or inadequate document controls. This new policy, designed to reduce visa overstays, will not affect countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program. Although the specific list of impacted nations has not been disclosed, this initiative may substantially alter the cost and ease of travel for numerous foreign nationals, potentially including those from the Philippines.

Tumon Night Market Launches at Pleasure Island

GVB officially launched the Tumon Night Market (TNM) with a high turnout at its opening night on Sunday, August 3, 2025 at the Pleasure Island district of Tumon. Over 3,000 residents and visitors converged in Tumon to walk the block and enjoy the evening filled with food, shopping, entertainment and activities.

The night warmed up with sounds of the Guahan Drum Circle prior to a bendision (benediction) by Para i Probechu’n i Taotao’ta (PIPIT). Governor Lourdes Leon Guerrero provided welcoming remarks, thanking the residents of Guam for coming out to support and showing our visitors the warmth and vibrancy of our island. Senator Jesse Lujan, Chairman of the Committee on Tourism, and GVB Chairman George Chiu also welcomed the crowd and thanked them for doing their part toward tourism recovery.

Over 45 vendors lined the strip of Pale San Vitores Road, including 12 food trucks, 8 food booths, and 26 retail pop-up shops and interactive booths. Shops and restaurants from the Dusit Place and the surrounding area also participated by offering Sunday Specials or erecting sidewalk stalls to sell their goods. The Sandcastle Guam provided a beer garden on their lawn, providing a fun and ambient sitting area at the end of the crowded block.

GVB Acting President Dr. Gerry Perez says, “We are grateful to the community for coming out to support the event and appreciate their patience as we continue to develop and improve this event over the coming weeks. We’re committed to making this a positive and memorable experience for all.”

The Tumon Night Market continues every Sunday evening from 5-9pm with added features including free shuttle from Gov. Joseph Flores Memorial (Ypao Beach) Park from 4:30-9:30pm and new entertainment each week.

Pale San Vitores Road Shines Brighter

GVB Maintenance team paints medians along Pale San Vitores Road.

The Guam Visitors Bureau (GVB) Maintenance team recently completed a comprehensive repaint of all traffic medians along Pale San Vitores Road, the vibrant heart of Tumon's tourist district. This significant undertaking, an ongoing effort since 2023, received a thorough refresh to enhance both driver visibility and the aesthetic appeal of Tumon, an area with heavy foot traffic and constant influx of visitors.

The refreshed medians contribute to a safer environment for both motorists and pedestrians. The renewed paint provides clearer demarcation, especially important on a road bustling with activity. Beyond safety, the brighter, cleaner medians significantly improve the overall appearance of Tumon, offering a more welcoming and visually pleasing experience for residents and tourists alike. This initiative underscores GVB's commitment to maintaining a beautiful and safe environment for all who enjoy the island.

Angel Santos Memorial Park Renovations Complete

New upgrades to Angel Santos Park.

The much-anticipated renovation of Angel Santos Park, affectionately known as Latte Stone Park, located at the foot of San Ramon Hill in Hagåtña, has officially been completed! This vital community space has received a significant facelift, thanks to funding from the Guam Visitors Bureau (GVB).
The comprehensive renovation efforts included a variety of improvements designed to enhance the park's appeal and functionality. Visitors will now enjoy repaired and upgraded facilities and signage, making the park more accessible and informative. Additionally, extensive tree-trimming and landscaping have revitalized the park's natural beauty, providing a more inviting and picturesque environment for all who visit.
This successful project reflects a continued commitment to preserving and enhancing Guam's public spaces for both residents and tourists.

Sella Bay Trail: A Pilot for Enhanced Guam Experiences

Exciting news for outdoor enthusiasts! We're thrilled to announce the upcoming Sella Bay Trail Project, a pilot initiative aimed at significantly improving the safety and overall experience of this popular hiking destination. Our primary objective is to transform the Sella Bay trail into a more accessible and enjoyable route for everyone. Key enhancements you can look forward to include:

Informational and Directional Signage: Clear and concise signage will be installed to guide hikers along the trail, providing essential information about the route and points of interest.

Improved Walkway: A dedicated walkway will be developed to enhance safety and ease of navigation, ensuring a more comfortable journey for all users.

"Photo Opp" Rest Stops: We'll be creating designated rest areas strategically placed along the trail, offering picturesque spots perfect for capturing memories and taking a breather.

Enhanced Lighting and Security: Special attention will be given to lighting and security, particularly in parking areas, to provide a safer environment for visitors.

We believe these improvements will not only make the Sella Bay trail safer and more user-friendly but also elevate the overall outdoor experience for our community. Stay tuned for more updates as this exciting project progresses!