BY DANIEL M. PEREZ
Journal Staff
TUMON, Guam — The Guam Visitors Bureau reported stronger-than-expected tourism tax collections and unanimously approved infrastructure developments on Thursday, despite a 24% decline in overall visitor arrivals for the month of May.
According to GVB financial reports, May Tourist Attraction Fund cash collections reached $2.756 million, finishing approximately 12% above initial budget projections due to robust visitor spending and the timing of business tax payments.
Fiscal Year 2026 arrivals through the end of May totaled 511,538 visitors, representing a 9.6% increase compared to the same period in Fiscal Year 2025. The positive year-to-date trajectory persisted despite a sharp 50.6% drop in arrivals from South Korea, which remains Guam's largest visitor market. GVB officials attributed the monthly downturn to elevated fuel surcharges and regional market disruptions that raised airline operating costs and airfares.
While arrivals from South Korea, Japan, and the Philippines dropped, arrivals from the U.S./Hawaii, China, and Hong Kong grew between 20% and 25%.
To address visitor safety and destination infrastructure, the board authorized an Invitation for Bid for the construction of a Guam Fire Department rescue station at Matapang Beach in Tumon Bay.
The centralization project represents a collaborative effort among the fire department, GVB, and the Department of Parks and Recreation to eliminate emergency response bottlenecks. "A safe destination is a competitive destination," said Régine Biscoe Lee, president and CEO of GVB, noting that the station represents an investment in public safety and long-term industry sustainability.
Additional destination development initiatives include a new memorandum of understanding with the parks department, which authorizes the bureau to install safety bollards and manage the amphitheater at Governor Joseph Flores Memorial Park at Ypao Beach.
Furthermore, the Guam Regional Transit Authority committed $100,000 toward the Tumon Smart Bus Shelter Pilot Project. Ina Carillo, destination development director of GVB, said the agency will oversee architectural and engineering services, land surveys, and design requirements for 14 proposed smart bus shelters. GVB officials expressed optimism for the summer travel season as international jet fuel prices decline, easing cost pressures for commercial carriers.
Core market air seat capacities are scheduled to expand in mid-July, featuring daily flights from Incheon and Busan by Jin Air, resumed services from Air Busan and T’Way, and an additional flight from Narita by United Airlines. Rudd Gudmalin, GVB controller, reported that the revenue gains in May provide a stable foundation as the bureau focuses on rebuilding regional demand. mbj
Journal Staff
TUMON, Guam — The Guam Visitors Bureau reported stronger-than-expected tourism tax collections and unanimously approved infrastructure developments on Thursday, despite a 24% decline in overall visitor arrivals for the month of May.
According to GVB financial reports, May Tourist Attraction Fund cash collections reached $2.756 million, finishing approximately 12% above initial budget projections due to robust visitor spending and the timing of business tax payments.
Fiscal Year 2026 arrivals through the end of May totaled 511,538 visitors, representing a 9.6% increase compared to the same period in Fiscal Year 2025. The positive year-to-date trajectory persisted despite a sharp 50.6% drop in arrivals from South Korea, which remains Guam's largest visitor market. GVB officials attributed the monthly downturn to elevated fuel surcharges and regional market disruptions that raised airline operating costs and airfares.
While arrivals from South Korea, Japan, and the Philippines dropped, arrivals from the U.S./Hawaii, China, and Hong Kong grew between 20% and 25%.
To address visitor safety and destination infrastructure, the board authorized an Invitation for Bid for the construction of a Guam Fire Department rescue station at Matapang Beach in Tumon Bay.
The centralization project represents a collaborative effort among the fire department, GVB, and the Department of Parks and Recreation to eliminate emergency response bottlenecks. "A safe destination is a competitive destination," said Régine Biscoe Lee, president and CEO of GVB, noting that the station represents an investment in public safety and long-term industry sustainability.
Additional destination development initiatives include a new memorandum of understanding with the parks department, which authorizes the bureau to install safety bollards and manage the amphitheater at Governor Joseph Flores Memorial Park at Ypao Beach.
Furthermore, the Guam Regional Transit Authority committed $100,000 toward the Tumon Smart Bus Shelter Pilot Project. Ina Carillo, destination development director of GVB, said the agency will oversee architectural and engineering services, land surveys, and design requirements for 14 proposed smart bus shelters. GVB officials expressed optimism for the summer travel season as international jet fuel prices decline, easing cost pressures for commercial carriers.
Core market air seat capacities are scheduled to expand in mid-July, featuring daily flights from Incheon and Busan by Jin Air, resumed services from Air Busan and T’Way, and an additional flight from Narita by United Airlines. Rudd Gudmalin, GVB controller, reported that the revenue gains in May provide a stable foundation as the bureau focuses on rebuilding regional demand. mbj
