Entitled “Opening New Markets: China & Russia,” the forum covered a number of topics ranging from the implications of having been recently granted Russian parole authority, to security issues, opportunities in a new market, and challenges in accommodating an influx of potential visitors.
Some 1.2 million tourists arrive here each year, generating approximately $1.35 billion in revenues with visitors from Japan continuing to provide 80 percent of the tourist market.
The first session of the forum focused on the history, future and present status of the visa waiver program with a panel comprised of representatives from the government and business sector.
While there is much optimism with the Department of Homeland Security’s recent granting of parole authority for Russians to visit Guam, Arthur Clark, senior policy advisor to the governor of Guam pointed out the uncertainty this creates for the island because the parole authority is discretionary, and could be taken away at any time. Because we only have parole authority, he pointed out, this makes investors hesitant to build businesses on Guam, whereas if the island were fully granted a visa waiver businesses would be able to do more long-term investments on more definitive terms.
The second session of the forum focused on the opportunities and challenges in developing the China and Russia markets, with a panel comprised of tourism industry experts. Each panelists chimed in with their suggestions on how to accommodate the potential visitors Guam will be receiving and how to improve services.
According to panelist Michael Ysrael, chairman of the Guam International Airport board of directors, many businesses have been “burned” from excess expectations for the military buildup, but with the recent approval of Russians to enter Guam, he sees this as an opportune first step toward a new form of tourism.
“First things first, Russia is definitely a very good improvement for us,” said Ysrael. “The Russians are a really great way for Guam to take a first step,” he added, noting that if China had come in, the question to address would be how to handle a large influx of visitors to Guam, whereas with Russians, they provide smaller numbers but big impact.
During the question and answer session, a concern was brought up to the panelists on how to improve services in order to entice tourists to visit Guam.
“Is the quality of service what we need to have on Guam for these tourists to come?” Piti Mayor Ben Gumataotao asked.
Apart from the natural attractions — such as the beaches — Guam has to offer, Gumataotao indicated that the industry needs to work on better services and focus on safety, such as addressing the crime rate on island.
Ysrael agreed on the concern for public safety, but remained optimistic that it could be easily addressed.
