Visitor arrivals soar in month of May

NOTE: The following is a joint release from Governor Calvo and the Guam Visitors Bureau.

“I am absolutely thrilled that tourism arrivals continue to break records. Japan has always been our number one visitor market and it’s great to see positive growth documented in May 2015. A lot of hard work and time have gone into nurturing our tourism industry and the relationship we have with our top visitor market. I want to congratulate GVB and its industry partners for continuing to grow and diversify our visitor markets.”

 – Governor Eddie Baza Calvo

Japan market shows growth

The Guam Visitors Bureau Research Department confirmed that May 2015 is the sixth best May in the history of tourism, with 96,873 visitors.

Additionally, GVB’s preliminary May 2015 report also noted that Japan arrival numbers are up, with the Japan market recording a 1.3% increase. Kanto (Tokyo) arrivals have also risen by 4.3%. GVB has spent a lot time advertising and marketing the island in the Tokyo region, which makes up for 50% of Japan arrivals to Guam.

"We are constantly working with our industry partners to aggressively market and promote our island paradise,“ said GVB General Manager Nathan Denight. “Visitor arrivals in the various source markets continue diversifying and growing in line with the Tourism 2020 plan. This means we have more opportunities to create more additional jobs for our people, share our unique Chamorro culture and grow a healthy and robust economy.”

Korea arrivals shine in May 2015

Korea is Guam’s second largest market. It has had an amazing growth trend with arrivals to the island. May 2015 is now ranked as the fourth top month for Guam’s Korea arrivals, with a 26.5% boost. Out of the top 10 months for Korea arrivals, half of them were recorded in 2015. The top ranked month is January 2015 with 38,845 visitors. With T’Way Air and Air Busan adding more direct flight service in July, arrivals from Korea are expected to increase this summer.

Summary of arrivals

In May 2015, Guam welcomed 96,873 visitors, which is a 6.9% increase when compared to the previous year. Total Fiscal Year-to-Date arrivals are also up 1.9% and Calendar Year-to-Date arrivals have gone up by 2.7%.

Japan arrivals are up by 1.3%, followed by Korea with a 26.5% increase. Arrivals from The People's Republic of China also grew 40.9%. A notable 146.7% has been recorded for Shanghai, with direct flights bringing even more visitors to Guam.

Other visitor markets also recorded more diversification and growth. Vietnam rose 471.4% and Thailand increased by 15.8%. Additional markets that showed growth include Canada by 32% and the U.S. mainland by 8%. 

It also should be noted that Civilian Sea Arrivals increased by 6571.9% when compared to the previous year. The cruise ship, the Sun Princess, arrived on May 31, bringing nearly 2,000 passengers to Guam.

Guam's Top 10 May Arrivals

Rank Month/Year      Guam Arrivals

1. May 1997                120,046

2. May 1995                116,168

3. May 1996                111,897

4. May 2000                100,771

5. May 1998                 99,450

6. May 2015                 96,873

7. May 2001                 95,990

8. May 1999                 95,137

9. May 2004                 94,004

10. May 2006               92,459

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

Media Contact: JOSH TYQUIENGCO - Public Information Officer