Guam wins best booth award at tourism expo in Russia

(Vladivostok, Russia)  Guam won the Best Booth Design award at Russia’s 22nd Pacific International Tourism Expo (PITE), held in the Primorsky region from May 18 to 20, 2018.

The event unites Russia’s tourism businesses with numerous foreign countries and is open to both industry professionals and potential travelers. An estimated 7,000 people attended the three-day expo with over 400 Russian and international businesses present. Guam has been participating in PITE since the implementation of the Russian Visa Waiver program began in 2012.

“Attending PITE is a huge opportunity to invite more Russian guests and other visitors to our island home and network with key partners in the travel trade,” said GVB President and CEO Nathan Denight. “Simply put, Russian travelers are great guests. They help in diversifying our markets. They stay longer and spend more while they are here. They also are likely to explore more of Guam, patronize local establishments many times and fully embrace our island’s beaches, natural beauty, and family activities.”

Guam Visitors Bureau (GVB) Board Director Bartley Jackson, chairman for the Bureau’s Korea, Russia and New Markets Committees, led the Guam delegation. He was joined by Pacific Star Resort & Spa General Manager Roy Abraham, who also is the Vice Chairman for the Russia and New Markets Committee, GVB Philippines and Russia Marketing Manager for Regina Nedlic, and GVB member, Pacific Islands Club.

The delegation held a Guam seminar for participants to learn more about the island’s attractions and events, with Korean Airlines and Jeju Air taking part of the event. Meetings were also held with the airlines to further strengthen Guam’s relationship as partners in the industry. A social media contest was additionally conducted at the Guam booth to engage with expo-goers to win Guam brand prize packages.

“Our Russia market continues to be an important part of the growth and diversification that is happening in our source visitor markets,” said GVB Director of Global Marketing Pilar Laguaña. “While there may be no direct charter flights right now, our Russian visitors route through connecting flights made available by our airline partners, like Korean Air and Jeju Air, to get to Guam. We will continue to nurture this market and embrace opportunities to keep Guam’s presence strong.”

The average length of stay for Russian visitors to Guam is about one week and the average spend is over $2,000 per person per trip. In Fiscal Year 2017, Guam welcomed 3,151 Russian visitors, an increase of 26.6% compared to the previous year.

Media Contact: JOSH TYQUIENGCO - Public Information Officer