The Guam Visitors Bureau is taking part in the Tourism EXPO Japan 2024. The event was held at the Tokyo Big Sight from Sept. 26 to 29, 2024.  

 

The EXPO is one of the largest travel and tourism industry exhibitions in the world with participation expected from over 1,000 companies and organizations from about 80 countries and regions.  Over 180,000 visitors are anticipated during the four-day event.

The first two days of the event  were trade days for industry professionals, with GVB and several member companies participating as exhibitors. 

On Sept. 27, GVB and H.I.S. Co., Ltd. held a signing ceremony to officially launch the "Wellness Island Project," a joint promotion aimed at positioning Guam as a wellness destination and attracting over 50,000 visitors by 2025. 

Key attendees included GVB President Carl Gutierrez, Sinajana Mayor Robert Hofmann, and Global Marketing Director Nadine Leon Guerrero.

“We are proud of our partnership with H.I.S. highlighting our culture, natural resources, and upcoming events that promote fitness and wellness.  Mr. Kozo Arita, H.I.S. Executive Officer, has embraced Guam and I encourage the company to expand and include our brothers and sisters in all the Marianas,” Gutierrez said. 

On hand to promote this concept and share the events through live broadcasts was GVB Member Choice Broadcasting’s Ray Gibson who conducted on-site interviews with Marianas Visitors Authority (MVA) Managing Director Chris Concepcion, GVB Board Member & Sinajana Mayor Robert Hofmann, GVB Member and Guam Premier Outlets General Manager Monte Mesa, and GVB President & CEO Carl T.C. Gutierrez.

Furthermore, on the evening of the 27th, a reception was held at the GVB booth to provide an opportunity for travel industry professionals to network.

The following days were open to the general public as consumer days, where Guam showcased its attractions to consumers.  

The booth will feature various activities that allow visitors to experience Guam’s culture, cuisine, and beauty by appealing to the five senses. There were also a variety of fun events for visitors, such as giveaways of newly designed original eco-bags and rock-paper-scissors competitions to name a few.

As part of the introduction to Guam’s culture, performances by “Guma Taotao Kinahulo Atdao na Tano” led by Asami Nohira along with the CHamoru dance show by local cultural entertainers Vince San Nicolas and Jayvier Quenga. 

Behind the booth, the Guam Mangge’ food truck selling Tinaktak Burgers and CHamoru BBQ bowls was in high demand among JATA goers. 

Through Tourism EXPO Japan 2024, the Guam Visitors Bureau aims to share the charm of Guam in attracting more visitors to increase arrival numbers for Japan market.  

By the end of FY2024, Japan market will have achieved its goal of over 200,000 visitors in hopes to achieve more than 50% or more for the coming fiscal year.