Chamorro culture shared to more than 360,000 participants

(Taipei, Taiwan) The Guam Visitors Bureau (GVB) and its industry partners have returned home after promoting Guam’s unique Chamorro culture at the annual Taipei International Travel Fair (ITF), the largest and most popular travel show in Taiwan. The four-day event was held from October 27-30, 2017 at the Taipei World Trade Center and attracted 366,976 people.

Guam stood out among 1,650 booths at the event and won the brand new ITF Theme Award from the Taiwan Visitors Association, incorporating elements of onsite experience activities, visual promotions, photo check-ins and other aspects. The ITF theme this year was, “Have Fun in Taiwan and Go See the World.”

“We’re proud to take home this award for Guam and showcase our Chamorro culture and signature events for 2018 to the thousands of people that attend this huge event on an annual basis,” said GVB Board Chairman Milton Morinaga. “Guam is very connected to the Taiwanese people and it’s important to show a strong presence in our third largest market.”

With 950 exhibitors from more than 60 countries and regions in attendance, the Guam booth featured live performances by Master of Chamorro Dance Frank Rabon and Pa’a Taotao Tano’, as well as cultural dancers from the Taiwan chapter of the Guam Chamorro Dance Academy. Participants were also treated to a Virtual Reality Guam experience, photos with Miss Guam Audre Dela Cruz, weaving demonstrations with Vicente Rosario (Guelo), #InstaGuam photo prints and additional activities.

Governor Eddie Baza Calvo and other dignitaries were also a part of the ITF ribbon-cutting ceremony that was led by Taiwan Vice President Chen Chien-jen.

“We are grateful to Governor Calvo for stopping by ITF while in the midst of his trade mission with Guam Economic Development Authority, Guam International Airport Authority, and GVB. His presence definitely increased Guam’s visibility at the event. I also want to thank our GVB members for participating at ITF this year and sharing what makes our island great as a destination.”

In addition to ITF, GVB hosted its annual trade gathering for travel agents that have helped to grow and diversify the Taiwan market. Agents were given a presentation about GVB’s campaign theme for 2018, “#InstaGuam,” which highlights Guam as an instant vacation destination from major Asian cities and focuses on user-generated content sharing on SNS channels.  American Institute of Taiwan (AIT) Travel Officer Henly Jones also gave brief remarks in support of Guam.

GVB would like to thank Nissan Rent-a-car, Dusit Thani Guam Resort, Guam Reef and Olive Spa Resort and Pacific Star Resort & Spa for their participation at ITF.