Guam prepares for largest Golden Week expecting over 11K visitors

A.B. Won Pat International Airport experiences record activity

(A.B. Won Pat International Airport, Guam) The Guam International Airport Authority, Guam (GIAA) and the Guam Visitors Bureau (GVB) have announced preparations are underway to accommodate the major influx of over 11,000 Japanese visitors who will be spending Golden Week on island. The additional visitors are anticipated to infuse a total of $15.4 million dollars into the local economy.

Beginning April 24 through May 5, 2019, Guam is expected to welcome 68 charter flights, with Japanese tourists celebrating a series of national holidays that usually occurs at the end of April and beginning of May. This year’s Golden Week period is extended to 10 consecutive days as Japan’s Emperor relinquishes his authority to his son.

“This is the biggest Golden Week we’ve seen in recent years,” said GVB President and CEO Pilar Laguaña. “Guam typically welcomes up to 4,500 visitors a day throughout the year. But during Golden Week, we’ll be seeing an additional 1,000 Japanese tourists daily. We want our community and local businesses to prepare and feel excited for this infusion into our local economy and use the opportunity to showcase our island hospitality, CHamoru culture and Håfa Adai spirit!”

Guam’s Airport welcomes Golden Week on the heels of a record first quarter, which showed increased seat capacity up 15% from last year, welcoming 102 extra flights during spring break from Narita, Kansai, Nagoya, Busan and Hong Kong.

“We’ve engaged our stakeholders to prepare for the upsurge in arrivals. We want to ensure an enhanced passenger experience upon arrival and for departure, while maintaining a safe and secure airport with the ongoing critical construction activity for the International Arrivals Corridor. We’re very excited for the revenue potential for our airport and for our island economy,” said Thomas C. Ada, GIAA Executive Manager.

Airport officials have reduced the wait and processing times working closely with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for additional staff, as well as engaging with Guam Customs and Quarantine Agency (CQA), Transportation Security Administration (TSA), GVB, and augmented ambassador services. GVB will assist by providing entertainment and refreshments throughout the Golden Week period.

Additionally, GVB is collaborating with the Department of Public Works (DPW), the Tamuning Mayor’s Office, and military volunteers to spruce up Tumon and also engaging with Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) to maintain the restrooms in major parks at Matapang, Paseo de Susana, Fort Apugan and Inarajan Pools.

In an effort to keep the island safe for all, airport and tourism stakeholders are appealing to the public to welcome visitors and ensure everyone does their part to maintain a safe and hospitable island community. The Guam Police Department, Guam Fire Department and other safety agencies have also met with the Bureau to prepare for the visitor influx. GVB’s Visitor Safety Officers (VSOs) will also have an increased presence to keep both local residents and visitors safe.

Media Contact: JOSH TYQUIENGCO - Public Information Officer