NOTE: The following is a joint release from Governor Calvo and the Guam Visitors Bureau.

“I’m so proud of our people in the tourism industry, including all the employees and stakeholders, as well as the folks at the Guam Visitors Bureau. These type of record numbers don’t just happen. They invested a lot of time and effort welcoming our tourists and ensuring they have a memorable and safe time on Guam. GVB also sent delegations to share the beauty of our culture on Guam and the natural wonders that surround us. That hard work is paying off now and will help us generate more jobs and opportunity for our people.”

– Governor Eddie Baza Calvo

Guam surpasses 1.3 million for second year in a row

Guam has achieved another fiscal year milestone recording over 1.3 million visitors for the second consecutive year.

Overall arrivals for Fiscal Year 2014 (Oct. 1, 2013 – Sept. 30, 2014) reached 1,341,054 visitors, surpassing FY2013. And with only 3/4 of the calendar year done, we have already welcomed 1,013,031 tourists since January.

Fiscal year 2014 is now ranked as the third top fiscal year in Guam's tourism history, making it the most arrivals in a year for this century!

“What’s even more amazing is that in spite of the Triple Disaster in March 2011 GVB and their tourism partners were able to stave off what initially was an anticipated large drop in visitor arrivals,” Gov. Calvo stated.

In addition, we had the tragedy in Tumon and North Korea threats last year. And yet, tourism kept growing: “This isn’t an accident. We spread out on marketing and we’ve maintained our local product,” Gov. Calvo said.

“We had all these things happening, and yet, we were able to do more than just maintain our numbers, we built them up,” the governor added. 

“Lt. Gov. Ray Tenorio went with the GVB group to represent our island a number of times. I think his presence helped tour agencies and potential tourists in the different markets understand that we are committed not only to their enjoyment of the time they spend on Guam but their safety and well-being as well.”

Hard work paying off

Efforts to strengthen and diversify our tourism markets are also apparent in this latest report. While Japan arrivals were slightly down, arrivals from Korea and China increased by 20% and 89.1%, respectively.

Other markets that also saw growth in September include the U.S. mainland by 59.9%, Hawaii by 37.5%, Australia by 24% and the Philippines by 3.9%

Exercise Valiant Shield contributed to September's upward trend, with Armed Forces Air Arrivals increasing by 127.3%. Civilian Sea Arrivals also grew by 172%. 

“Guam has a compelling story that continues to be shared with the rest of the world,” said GVB General Manager Karl Pangelinan. 

“Achieving another record-breaking fiscal year in arrivals is a testament to the hard work of our industry professionals and partners. Because of them, tourism is the most robust and diverse it’s ever been in our history. Un Dangkulo Na Si Yu’os Ma’ase to everyone for all that you do to make our island a better place to live, work and visit.”

 

15 Top Banner Fiscal Year Arrivals (as of October 10, 2014)

Rank               Fiscal Year                  Guam Arrivals

1                      FY1997                      1,411,447

2                      FY1996                      1,369,877

3                      FY2014                      1,341,054

4                      FY2013                      1,337,665

5                      FY1995                      1,295,559

6                      FY2001                     1,291,667

7                      FY2012                      1,270,161

8                      FY2000                      1,269,172

9                      FY2007                      1,223,290

10                   FY2006                      1,217,111

11                   FY2005                      1,210,147

12                   FY1998                      1,204,268

13                   FY2008                      1,179,246

14                   FY2010                      1,170,857

15                   FY2004                      1,156,199

 

Source: Guam Customs Declaration Forms.

Processed by the Guam Visitors Bureau

 

Media Contact: JOSH TYQUIENGCO - Public Information Officer