News Release

November 19, 2025   

On Dec. 2, the Guam Travel and Tourism Association, GTTA, in partnership with Guam Community College’s Hospitality and Tourism Department, will convene one of the most important conversations of our time: how to rebuild, reimagine, and reinvigorate Guam’s tourism industry.

It will be held at SandCastle in Tumon.

Our upcoming forum, “Tourism Roadmap to Recovery: Bridging Tourism with Talent,” brings together government leaders, industry partners, and most importantly, the next generation of island hospitality professionals.

As Guam continues its journey toward full tourism recovery, collaboration continues to be key. This forum represents a united effort across both the public and private sectors to chart a resilient, inclusive path forward.

We are honored to welcome Gov. Lou A. Leon Guerrero and Speaker Frank Blas Jr., who will provide opening perspectives on the state of our island’s economy and the role tourism will play in shaping our future.

A key highlight of the forum will be updates from the Guam Visitors Bureau and the A.B. Won Pat International Airport Authority, two agencies at the forefront of restoring air connectivity, improving visitor experience, and rebuilding demand across our core markets. Their insights will help our industry understand where we stand today—and what opportunities lie ahead.

Strengthening cultural stewardship and community-based tourism is another priority in this year’s program. For this reason, we have invited the president of the Mayors’ Council of Guam, Piti Mayor Jesse Alig, to speak about working directly with Guam’s village mayors to elevate the islandwide visitor experience.

From village festivals and historic sites to safety, cleanliness, and customer service, mayors remain essential partners in creating a memorable, authentic Guam experience for travelers.

To support small businesses, investment, and redevelopment, the forum will also feature presentations from the Guam Economic Development Authority, GEDA, and the Guam Housing and Urban Renewal Authority, GHURA. These agencies will share financial tools and programs that can empower local entrepreneurs, rehabilitate key commercial areas, and stimulate tourism-related growth.

But perhaps the most inspiring part of this event will come from GCC’s Hospitality and Tourism Program, with more than 107 secondary and post-secondary students participating. These students represent the future of Guam’s tourism workforce—creative, committed, and driven.

The forum will give them a platform to showcase their talent while allowing industry professionals to meet the young people who will one day lead our hotels, restaurants, attractions, and travel agencies.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to sponsor GCC students so they may participate in this important learning experience.

We are proud to be joined by our co-hosting partners—the Guam Hotel and Restaurant Association, the Japan Guam Travel Association, and the Korea Guam Travel Association—each of whom will share their perspectives on how to accelerate recovery in our key markets.

The forum is open to the public, and we encourage business owners, students, educators, policymakers, and community members to attend.

Registration is available at www.guamtraveltourism.org.

Guam’s tourism recovery is not merely about numbers—it is about people, partnership, and purpose.

On Dec. 2, we invite the community to join us as we build a stronger, smarter, more resilient tourism future for our island.