(Tumon, Guam) The Guam Visitors Bureau (GVB), in partnership with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), has invited U.S. Commercial Service Minister Counselor for Commercial Affairs David Gossack as the guest speaker for its Quarterly Membership Meeting. The meeting will take place Tuesday, August 15, 2017 at the Westin Resort and Spa Somnak Room from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Commercial Minister Gossack is from the U.S. Embassy in Seoul, Korea. He will discuss relevant rules and regulations regarding exporting and export strategies to foreign markets such as Korea. Additionally, he will also discuss market updates on the tourism industry in Korea.

“As an export, tourism represents over 50% of Guam's economy,” said GVB President and CEO Nathan Denight. “We’re happy to welcome Mr. Gossack to our island paradise and look forward to his insights into helping us grow and diversify our tourism industry.”

As the official tourism agency of Guam, GVB is charged with developing tourism policy and direction, as well as implementing Guam's tourism marketing plans and coordinating tourism-related research. The Bureau also manages programs and activities that enhance and showcase Guam's people, environment and culture to deliver an incomparable visitor experience.

“GVB serves as a critical bridge linking government, the tourism industry, visitors and the local community, and aims to contribute successfully to a good quality of life for residents through tourism,” said GVB Director of Global Marketing Pilar Laguaña. “Our time with Mr. Gossack will prove to be beneficial to our GVB members and the rest of our industry partners that continue making Guam a better place to live, work and visit.”

GVB recently received the President’s “E” Award from the U.S. Department of Commerce on May 22, 2017, which is the highest recognition any U.S. entity can receive for making a significant contribution to the expansion of U.S. exports. The Bureau is the first tourism organization in the United States to receive this prestigious award and contribute to the export expansion program of the United States of America.

Media Contact: JOSH TYQUIENGCO - Public Information Officer