Visitor arrivals for October 2015 breaks records

NOTE: This is a joint release from Governor Eddie Baza Calvo and the Guam Visitors Bureau.

“It is amazing to see the results that are produced from all the hard work to grow and diversify visitor arrivals to Guam. I applaud the Guam Visitors Bureau, its partners, and the men and women who who are part of the tourism industry for their efforts. Our economy continues to thrive and I am confident we will reach the goals of the Tourism 2020 plan.”

 – Governor Eddie Baza Calvo

Top October recorded in Guam’s history

The Guam Visitors Bureau Research Department confirmed 112,292 visitors were recorded in October 2015, making it the best October in the history of tourism. Additionally, October 2015 also became the third top month for Korea arrivals, totaling 37,306 visitors.

The boost in Korea arrivals can be associated with the increased seat capacity from Incheon and more direct flights through Air Busan. T’Way Air’s new service to Guam also contributed to the boost in Guam’s arrivals numbers.

“The momentum we are experiencing with record breaking visitor arrivals these past five years is phenomenal,” said GVB General Manager Nathan Denight. 

“As we remain focused on the Tourism 2020 plan and invest into the community, now is the opportune time to also reinvest in our tourism product and infrastructure. We just celebrated the opening of the Guam Convention Center at the Dusit Thani Guam Resort and we look forward to utilizing this world-class facility and other resources to attract more visitors to experience what can be found only on Guam.”

Japan arrivals

Guam received 4.3% less visitors from Japan in October. While arrivals from Guam’s top market are showing signs of stabilization, total outbound from Japan remains down due to a weakening yen and Japanese travelers choosing domestic travel. GVB continues to work with travel agents and push its recently launched “Toshi-chan” campaign in Japan to attract more Japanese travelers.

Summary of arrivals

Guam welcomed 112,292 visitors in October 2015, an 8% increase when compared to the previous year. Total Calendar Year-to-Date arrivals have also increased by 3.4%.

Korea arrivals showed an increase of 52.7%, while visitor numbers from Japan saw a slight drop. The People's Republic of China also rose by 21.1%. In the meantime, other visitor markets continue to grow and diversify. Palau increased by 141.3% and the FSM increased by 13.9%. Additional markets that also grew include Philippines by 2.5%, Europe by 31.3% and Canada by 4.8%.

Guam's Top 10 October Arrivals

Rank Month/Year         Guam Arrivals

1. October 2015                112,292

2. October 2012                104,334

3. October 2014                103,961

4. October 1996                102,787

5. October 2013                 101,955

6. October 1995                 101,772

7. October 1997                 101,499

8. October 1999                 93,762

9. October 2005                 93,680

10. October 2000               93,377

Source: Guam Customs Declaration Forms. Processed by the Guam Visitors Bureau.

Media Contact: JOSH TYQUIENGCO - Public Information Officer