(Tokyo, Japan) Lt. Governor Ray Tenorio and Team Guam have returned to Japan to join over 150 countries and regions from around the globe for the JATA Tourism EXPO. This four-day event is well attended by thousands of travel agents and international media at the Tokyo Big Sight. The expo is also considered the world’s largest tourism-related event. Additionally, this year’s theme of “Move. See. Feel” provides the opportunity for travel professionals to promote the diverse industries of tourism.

“Team Guam is here proudly representing the people of Guam and our culture at JATA. To use a sports analogy, it’s really the super bowl of tourism,” said Lt. Governor Ray Tenorio. “What we’re doing is building up for the future economic viability of the island and the jobs and the tax base that support our community. The team that is here is the best and the proudest to represent the people of our island.”

The Guam booth also stands out among the estimated 1,600 exhibition booths on display as Team Guam promotes the island’s 4,000-year-old culture. The “Experience Chamorro Culture” exhibit area is headed by some of the best weavers and cultural practitioners. In addition, Jesse and Ruby, Pa’a Taotao Tano and the Chamorro Dance Academy will also be conducting world-class performances throughout the duration of the expo.

Island businesses have also banded together at the event to further promote Guam. They include the Japan Guam Travel Association (JGTA), Hilton Guam Resort & Spa, Sheraton Laguna Guam Resort, Fiesta Resort, Hyatt Regency, The Westin, LeoPalace Resort, Lam Lam Tours,  R&C Tours, Holiday Tours Micronesia, H.I.S., Nippon Travel Agency, Micronesia Hospitality Inc., TMI, Pacific Micronesia Tours, Watabe Wedding, Skydive Guam, GPO and Tumon Sands Plaza, and the Pleasure Island Group (T Galleria by DFS, Outrigger Guam Beach Resort, SandCastle, Globe, Dusit Thani Guam Resort, JCB International (Micronesia), Ltd., UnderWater World, Sea Grill, Sky Lounge, the Plaza, Hard Rock Guam and Mandara Spa. 

Sports and events are also highlighted in the “Sports Paradise Island” section of the Guam booth to promote the island’s signature events and activities, such as Guam International Marathon, Guam Ko’ko’ Half Marathon & Ekiden Relay, XTERRA Guam and several other upcoming events scheduled in 2016.

 “Tourism allows us to share the very best of what can be found only on Guam with our global community,” said GVB General Manager Nathan Denight. “As we continue to encourage Japanese travelers to visit Guam in 2016, we remain committed to our relationship with our top visitor market and to showcase Guam’s unique products.”

Media Contact: JOSH TYQUIENGCO - Public Information Officer