The Guam Visitors Bureau submitted $28.9 million from the Tourist Attraction Fund.
This amount was reviewed by the GVB board of directors in its meeting on Sept. 17.
Fiscal 2025’s allocation is a 24% increase from last year with the largest leap in costs coming from destination development (increased 31% from last year).
The amount allocated for visitor safety officers, tour guides, and concierge services increased by 51% from last year. The board said that this increase was necessary to support the 24-hour concierge hotline program.
Additionally at the board meeting, two purchase orders were presented before the board for approval: one for pavement repairs between Dusit Beach Resort and Sandcastle and another for the purchase of two two-wheel drive trucks.
The board approved the purchase order for the repairs in the amount of $52,550 to JEIDA Guam.
The board tabled the $102,990 purchase order to Triple J Motors to the next meeting as they did not hold a quorum to approve the purchase.
The Industry Recovery Report for September was released on Sept. 6. According to Vice Chairman Joaquin P.L.G. Cook, the report should serve as a framework to guide GVB’s next steps in the coming months. Additionally, the board discussed the continuation of research efforts including the visitor exit survey.
In the management’s report, July saw a total of 59,931 visitors to the island.
Additionally, negotiations are still ongoing for the $1.5 million marketing deal with British football team Tottenham Hotspur.
The board also reported ongoing branding activity within the Asian markets, with a special emphasis on working with travel agents in Taiwan to include Guam in their travel packages. mbj