Over 123K visitors welcomed to Guam in June
July 25, 2019
Preparations begin for peak season
(Tumon, Guam) Coming off a record-breaking tourism month in May, the Guam Visitors Bureau (GVB) has announced that 123,258 visitors were welcomed to the island in June 2019, which generated over $21 million in government revenue.
Although it was a slight decline of 2.3% compared to the previous year, arrivals for the month were strong enough to finish as the second best June in tourism history. The GVB Research Department notes the decrease in June arrivals was partially due to there being no major military exercises scheduled for the month. This is evident in the Armed Forces Sea Arrivals compared to 2018.
Meanwhile, the days leading into the Guam Micronesia Island Fair, Pride Month events and the Electric Island Festival showed increases in arrivals compared to the same time period last year.
The Japan market continues to recover with 41,027 visitors (+14.8%) recorded for the month. Korea arrivals finished with 62,413 visitors (-8.2%) traveling to the island, mainly due to the loss of Korean Air’s direct flight to Busan and a decrease of seasonal oversupply from Incheon compared to last year. Other markets that noted increases include Taiwan (+8.1%), the United States (+4.7%) and the Philippines (+17.0%).
Arrivals for Fiscal Year-to-Date are up 5.4%, while Calendar Year-to-Date numbers have increased by 5.0%.
“June is traditionally a slower month in tourism, but we’ve had a busy summer of events tied to Guam’s 75th Liberation that have drawn visitors from all parts of the world to our beautiful island,” said GVB President and CEO Pilar Laguaña. “Looking ahead, we also want to prepare the tourism industry and local community to display their Håfa Adai spirit and hospitality as we approach another peak month of visitor arrivals in August.”
Peak Season in August
Guam is anticipated to welcome 1,117 flights with 232,343 seats available for the month of August, approximately 2,425 more seats than August 2018. Part of that total includes 119 charter flights from airline partners like Air Busan, China Airlines, T’way, and Jeju all servicing the Japan market.
GVB has already communicated the need to boost public safety during this time period and will be working with various local and federal agencies, as well as industry partners, to ensure needs are met. Additionally, the Bureau has recommended for the Department of Parks and Recreation to adjust the hours of operation for public restrooms and ensure restroom facilities are clean and maintained.
Media Contact: JOSH TYQUIENGCO - Public Information Officer