Participants of the Guam Visitors Bureau’s Malaysian familiarization tour at the Karera show at the SandCastle Guam.
Photo courtesy of GVB
HAGÅTÑA (The Guam Daily Post) — As Guam’s tourism economy slowly recovers, the Guam Visitors Bureau is looking at pursuing tourist markets outside of Japan and Korea, which have historically been the island’s main source markets for tourism. This effort recognized the untapped potential of other target markets like Malaysia which has a population of over 34 million people.
Citizens from Malaysia are included in the Guam and Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands visa waiver program. Malaysians can enter Guam visa-free. This allowed for a delegation of Malaysian travel and tour agents to visit the island in June.
“The visit aimed to showcase Guam’s diverse offerings and strengthen its appeal as a convenient and accessible premier vacation destination. From June 25 to June 28, a total of 24 travel agents, 14 media representatives, and three representatives from Philippine Airlines headquarters were on island for the fam tour and a subsequent trade event,” a release from GVB said, noting they have been working with PAL to promote Guam.
With a goal to give the agents firsthand experience of Guam’s offerings for effective promotion to Malaysian residents, GVB called the familiarization tour, which provided “an immersive experience of Guam’s unique attractions…thrilling adventures and rich cultural activities,” a success.
“The success of this fam tour marks a significant step forward in GVB’s strategy to expand its reach in new markets and reinforce Guam’s position as a top-tier destination for international travelers,” said GVB President and CEO Régine Biscoe Lee. “We fully intend to work closely with our airline partners and promote visa-free travel to Guam in more exempt countries.”
GVB expressed gratitude to Hilton Guam Resort and Spa, The Guam Museum, Valley of the Latte and Fish Eye Marine Park for their support as partners by offering complimentary stays and tours.
While on the island, the Malaysian delegation participated in the Business-to-Business event held at the Guam Museum, where they were able to connect with local industry partners, including Lotte Duty Free, Micronesia Mall, Hilton Guam Resort, Docomo Pacific and Stroll Guam.
According to GVB, the Malaysia familiarization tour is the second tour hosted by GVB since the Covid-19 pandemic, but it’s not the last.
“More promotions can be expected to further develop the Malaysian market, and discussions for direct flights to Guam are underway,” GVB said.
