AGP Executive Report

DoD Travel Costs: The Department of Defense boosted Guam per diem for meals and incidental expenses effective Sept. 1, raising M&IE by $14 (meals $99→$111; incidentals $25→$27) while lodging stays at $179—GHRA says the update matters for hotels and restaurants serving government travelers. Fuel Prices: Gas jumped 30 cents to $6.229 and diesel rose 20 cents to $7.199 after a Wednesday night increase, pushing Guam motorists back above $6 for regular for the first time since May amid global oil pressure tied to the Iran-U.S. conflict. Korean Tourism Retail Push: Lotte Duty Free launched its “FALL IN SALE” Chuseok promotion (Sept. 24–26) running to Oct. 11 with discounts up to 70%, airline-linked coupons, and a daily “Lucky Quiz” for shoppers. AI Trip Planning: A Guam Visitors Bureau update says AI-driven referrals to Guam rose 350% in 2025 (mostly from ChatGPT), urging local businesses to post clear, specific info so AI can recommend them. MegaFam Momentum: Guam’s MegaFamiliarization Tour drew 200+ travel partners, media, and influencers, including local makers like the Barcinas Sisters showcasing traditional weaving in high-traffic resort space. Tourism Demand Watch: GVB flagged South Korea as a “key area of concern” as arrivals for Aug. 1–12 fell 37.3% year over year, with overall August arrivals down 21.7% (data still incomplete).

Tourism Marketing & Tech: Guam is seeing a big jump in AI-driven trip planning, with AI referral traffic up 350% in 2025 and most coming from ChatGPT—GVB says businesses should post clear, specific info so they show up in AI answers. GVB & Arrivals Watch: South Korean arrivals are a “key area of concern,” down 37.3% (9,561 visitors from Aug. 1–12), while overall August arrivals are down 21.7% year over year. MegaFAM Push: Guam hosted its 2026 MegaFAM Trade Show at LeoPalace Resort Guam, bringing 200+ travel partners, media, and influencers to experience and sell Guam to key markets. Visitor Experience & Culture: The Barcinas Sisters showcased traditional weaving at the MegaFAM event, blending heritage crafts with modern twists for international visitors. Travel Costs: Federal per diem rates for Guam increased by $14 daily (meals up to $111; total to $317), a move GHRA says matters for hotels and government travel. Airline Fees: EVA Air will raise excess baggage fees for international flights starting Sept. 29, with Guam included in its pricing zones. Fuel Prices: Gas is now over $6 and diesel over $7 after a midweek increase, adding pressure to travel and everyday costs. Maritime Training: MARAD designated 16 maritime training institutions as Centers of Excellence, including Western Pacific Maritime Academy in Guam and the CNMI. Community & Safety: A $50,000 reward tied to a 2024 tourist killing remains unclaimed, with payment tied to conviction requirements.

Tourism & Hospitality: Guam’s hotel industry gets a boost from higher federal travel per diem rates: DOD updated Guam daily totals effective Sept. 1, lifting meals from $99 to $111 and incidental from $25 to $27, raising the overall daily per diem from $303 to $317—an “important” change for lodging and tourism businesses serving government travelers. GVB & Visitor Economy: Guam Visitors Bureau’s MegaFAM Trade Show brought 200+ international travel partners, media, and influencers to LeoPalace Resort Guam, with nearly 40 local exhibitors and a focus on turning experiences into future bookings and content. Market Watch: Early August data flags South Korea as a “key area of concern,” with arrivals down 37.3% (9,561 visitors from Aug. 1–12), while overall August arrivals were down 21.7% year-over-year. Culture as a Selling Point: The Barcinas Sisters showcased traditional weaving with modern twists at the MegaFAM, placing Guam culture directly in front of key tourism decision-makers. Travel Costs: EVA Air will raise excess baggage fees and other international baggage charges starting Sept. 29, with Guam included in its pricing zone for Micronesia routes. Local Life: A man accused of causing a disturbance at a Labor Day picnic at Ypao Beach was released on a $1,000 personal recognizance bond.

Tourism Market Watch: Guam Visitors Bureau says South Korean arrivals are a “key area of concern,” with 9,561 visitors from Aug. 1–12 down 37.3% year-over-year, as tighter seat capacity and travel costs bite. MegaFam Momentum: Guam Visitors Bureau’s 2026 Guam MegaFAM Trade Show brought 200+ international travel partners, media, and influencers to LeoPalace Resort Guam, with nearly 40 local exhibitors pitching hotels, tours, shopping, and experiences. Culture in the Spotlight: The Barcinas Sisters showcased traditional weaving with modern twists during the MegaFAM, turning their LeoPalace booth location into a high-traffic stop for visitors. Local Business & Infrastructure: A long-vacant Tumon Bay Mall is again being eyed for a new use—iLearn Academy Charter School wants to move in, targeting a 2027 school year pending zoning and approvals. Air Travel Costs: EVA Air announced higher excess baggage fees and revised international baggage charges starting Sept. 29, which could affect Guam-bound travelers. Regional Policy Signals: CNMI received Micronesian Islands Forum backing for sustainable commercial fisheries and asked for more scientific data before moving ahead with deep-sea mining.

Tourism Promotion: Guam’s MegaFAM Trade Show at LeoPalace Resort Guam drew 200+ international travel partners, media, and influencers, with nearly 40 local exhibitors pitching hotels, attractions, food, shopping, and even telecom—plus the Barcinas Sisters weaving Guam culture into the spotlight. GVB Market Watch: Early August data shows South Korean arrivals down 37.3% (9,561 visitors Aug. 1–12), with GVB citing tighter seat capacity and travel costs, though jet fuel surcharges and the won have eased. Airport & Visitor Experience: Avolta is set to take over A.B. Won Pat airport speciality retail and master food & beverage concessions after GIAA board approval, following an extension for incumbent Lotte Duty Free. Travel Costs: EVA Air will raise excess baggage and other international baggage fees starting Sept. 29, with Guam included in Zone 2. Safety & Accountability: GVB says the $50K reward tied to the 2024 Tumon tourist killing remains unclaimed, with payout tied to conviction certification. Local Talent & Research: UOG NSF EPSCoR E-RISE and E-CORE welcomed five graduate research assistants for 2026–2027, supporting STEM pathways that can feed future tourism and marine research.

Tourism Trade & Promotion: Guam Visitors Bureau’s 2026 Guam MegaFAM Trade Show at LeoPalace Resort Guam drew 200+ international travel partners, media, and influencers, with nearly 40 local exhibitors pitching hotels, attractions, shopping, and experiences to key markets like Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, and the Philippines. Cultural Spotlight: The Barcinas Sisters showcased traditional weaving with modern twists during MegaFAM, using prime foot-traffic placement to reach visiting partners and help keep Guam culture visible and marketable. Visitor Numbers Watch: Early August data shows South Korean arrivals to Guam down 37.3% (9,561 visitors Aug. 1–12), while overall August arrivals are down 21.7% year-over-year, with GVB citing tighter seat capacity and travel costs. Airport Retail Update: Guam’s airport board conditionally awarded A.B. Won Pat duty-free retail and master food & beverage concessions to Avolta, with a Dec. 21, 2026 start date pending final negotiations. Travel Costs: EVA Air announced higher excess baggage and other international baggage fees starting Sept. 29, which could affect Guam-bound travelers from its network. Energy & Hospitality Tech: UOG and federal researchers held a town hall on possible marine energy projects, including studying Tanguisson for OTEC and South Tumon Bay for seawater air conditioning that could support nearby hotels.

Tourism Promotion: Guam Visitors Bureau’s 2026 Guam MegaFAM Trade Show brought 200+ international travel partners, media, and influencers to LeoPalace Resort Guam, with nearly 40 local exhibitors pitching hotels, food, attractions, shopping, and culture—plus a spotlight on the Barcinas Sisters’ weaving. Market Watch: GVB says South Korean arrivals are down 37.3% (9,561 visitors from Aug. 1–12), citing tighter seat capacity and travel costs, though jet fuel surcharges eased and the Korean won stabilized. Industry Support: GVB launched a new online grants portal for the Tourism Works Micro-Grant to make applications easier and more transparent. Airport & Visitor Experience: A.B. Won Pat Airport’s board conditionally awarded Avolta (formerly Dufry) the specialty retail and master food & beverage concessions, with a Dec. 21 start date pending final talks. Travel Costs: EVA Air will raise excess baggage fees and other international baggage charges starting Sept. 29, with Guam included in its pricing zone. Weather: A rip-current and shower risk remains for the holiday weekend as a system pulls away from the Marianas.

Tourism Numbers Watch: Guam Visitors Bureau data shows South Korean arrivals down 37.3% in early August (9,561 visitors from Aug. 1–12), with August overall down 21.7% versus last year, as GVB points to tighter seat capacity and higher travel costs—though eased jet fuel surcharges and a steadier won offer “encouraging signs.” GVB MegaFam Momentum: More than 200 international travel partners, media, and influencers gathered at the 2026 Guam MegaFAM Trade Show at LeoPalace Resort Guam, with nearly 40 local exhibitors pitching hotels, attractions, and culture—plus GVB says it’s rolling out a new online grants portal to help tourism partners fund visitor-experience projects. Airport Retail Update: Guam’s airport authority conditionally awarded A.B. Won Pat specialty retail and master food & beverage concessions to Avolta (formerly Dufry), setting up a Dec. 21 start after negotiations. Travel Cost Alert: EVA Air says it will raise excess baggage fees and adjust other international baggage charges starting Sept. 29. Marianas Debate: A new discussion highlights the ongoing debate over deep-sea mining in the Marianas, weighing potential funding against concerns about lasting ocean damage.

MegaFam Momentum: Guam Visitors Bureau’s 2026 Guam MegaFAM Trade Show at LeoPalace Resort Guam drew 200+ international travel partners, media, and influencers plus nearly 40 local exhibitors—hotels, attractions, airlines, and makers—kicking off the biggest Guam tourism gathering in 5+ years. Culture on Display: The Barcinas Sisters used prime booth placement to showcase traditional weaving alongside modern takes, turning local craft into a direct pitch to visiting industry buyers. Tourism Funding Access: GVB launched a new online grants portal for the Tourism Works Micro-Grant, letting tourism partners apply, upload documents, and save progress more easily. Airport Retail Update: Guam airport concessions moved forward as the board conditionally awarded Avolta (ex-Dufry) the specialty retail and master food & beverage contracts, with a Dec. 21 start date pending final talks. Travel Cost Watch: EVA Air announced higher excess baggage fees and updated international baggage charges starting Sept. 29, with Guam included in its pricing zones. Weather Safety: A high surf advisory and high rip current risk remain in effect for west-facing Marianas reefs, with hazardous swimming conditions expected.

Airport Retail & Dining: Guam’s A.B. Won Pat airport board provisionally approved Avolta (formerly Dufry) as top-ranked bidder for both specialty retail (including duty free) and master food & beverage concessions, with final negotiations ahead of a Dec. 21 start. Tourism Industry Boost: GVB kicked off its first Mega Familiarization (Mega FAM) Tour in 5–6 years, bringing 240 travel agents and international media/influencers plus 40 local businesses to LeoPalace Resort Guam, aiming for multi-tier returns from content to future packages. Tourism Funding Made Easier: GVB launched a new secure online grants portal for the Tourism Works Micro-Grant, letting partners apply, upload documents, and track submissions more efficiently. Weather & Safety: A high surf advisory and dangerous rip current risk remain in effect for west-facing Marianas reefs through Friday afternoon, with hazardous 8–10 ft surf expected. Local Energy Planning: Researchers at UOG/PNNL are exploring Tanguisson for ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) and South Tumon Bay for seawater air conditioning, including possible offshore OTEC to cut costs. Travel Costs Watch: Guam fuel prices jumped 15 cents, with regular now $5.929 and diesel $6.999, as global energy pressures continue. Youth Sports: Guam U20 Men’s National Team departs for Mongolia for AFC U20 Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers, facing NMI and host Mongolia.

Airport & Retail Update: Guam’s airport board conditionally awarded A.B. Won Pat’s speciality retail (including duty free) and master food & beverage contracts to Avolta AG, with a Dec. 21, 2026 start date pending final negotiations. Tourism Industry Support: GVB launched a new online portal for the Tourism Works Micro-Grant, letting partners apply, upload documents, save progress, and track submissions more easily. Mega FAM Momentum: Guam is set to host over 200 international travel partners for GVB’s Mega Familiarization Tour, aiming to strengthen global awareness of the island. Visitor Pipeline: UOG will welcome about 1,000 Meikai University freshmen from Japan for a two-week English and culture program, with 4,525 international participants projected through 2026. Safety & Weather: A high surf advisory and high rip current risk remain in effect for west-facing Marianas reefs, and a holiday-weekend system is still bringing showers and downpours. Local Governance/Health: Guam’s chief medical examiner post is temporarily being stabilized with a Hawaii-based forensic pathologist for needed autopsies. Marine Energy Watch: UOG and federal researchers are studying the old Tanguisson power plant site for a possible OTEC project and South Tumon Bay for seawater air conditioning.

Airport & Retail: The Guam Airport Authority conditionally awarded A.B. Won Pat’s duty-free speciality retail and master food & beverage contracts to Avolta AG, with a Dec. 21, 2026 start date pending final negotiations. Tourism Trade: GVB is bringing 200+ travel partners, media, and influencers to Guam for the Sept. 3–7 Mega Familiarization Tour, plus it just launched a new online portal for Tourism Works Micro-Grant applications. Weather & Safety: A high surf advisory and high rip current risk remain in effect for west-facing Marianas reefs, with hazardous 8–10 ft surf and dangerous currents. Disaster Response: Catholic Charities says it’s been funding disaster relief across the U.S., including active typhoon impacts in the central Pacific affecting Guam and the Northern Marianas. Community & Visitors: UOG will host about 1,000 Meikai University freshmen from Japan for an English and culture program, boosting international visitor activity. Travel Costs: Fuel prices on Guam jumped again, with regular now at $5.929 per gallon and diesel at $6.999.

Airport Retail Shake-Up: The Guam International Airport Authority board conditionally awarded A.B. Won Pat’s specialty retail (including duty free) and master food & beverage contracts to Avolta AG, with final negotiations due within 90 days and a new operator start set for Dec. 21, after Lotte Duty Free’s extension runs through Dec. 20. Tourism Industry Support: GVB launched a new online grants portal for the Tourism Works Micro-Grant, letting tourism partners apply electronically, upload documents, and track submissions more easily. Mega FAM Incoming: More than 200 travel partners, media, and digital influencers are set to arrive for GVB’s Guam Mega Familiarization Tour (Sept. 3–7), with island tours, cultural experiences, and a tabletop marketplace for direct business matchmaking. Visitor Safety Weather: A high surf advisory and high rip current risk remain in effect for west-facing Marianas reefs, with 8–10 ft surf and life-threatening currents possible through Friday afternoon. Youth Sports: Guam’s U20 Men’s National Team departs for Mongolia for AFC U20 Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers, facing NMI and host Mongolia.

Airport & Retail Update: Guam International Airport Authority board conditionally approved Swiss-based Dufry International as top-ranked bidder for both the main specialty retail and master food-and-beverage concessions, with a 10-year deal (plus 5-year renewal options) pending final negotiations. Tourism Trade Push: Guam Visitors Bureau’s Guam Mega FAM Tour (Sept. 3–7) brings 200+ travel partners, media, and influencers for curated tours, a Labor Day celebration, and a tabletop marketplace to connect local businesses with overseas buyers. Visitor Growth via Education: UOG Global Learning & Engagement is hosting about 1,000 Meikai University freshmen from Japan over two weeks, targeting English, culture, and community experiences. Weather & Safety: A high surf advisory and high rip current risk remain in effect for west-facing Marianas reefs through Friday afternoon—8 to 10 ft surf expected, with dangerous rip currents and localized beach erosion. Local Tourism Support: GVB launched an online grants portal for its Tourism Works Micro-Grant, opening the first cycle for tourism-related projects. Reef-Friendly Land Work: The GROW watershed restoration initiative highlights how hillside erosion control helps protect Guam’s freshwater and coral reef health. Cost Pressure: Fuel prices on Guam jumped again—regular up to $5.929/gal and diesel to $6.999/gal—after nearly a month of respite. Maritime Tourism Angle: The USS Abraham Lincoln’s sailors are in Thailand for shore leave near Pattaya, a reminder of how regional port calls can ripple into visitor spending.

Coastal Safety: Guam remains under a high surf advisory and high rip current risk for west-facing reefs through Friday afternoon, with 8–10 ft surf, dangerous currents, and localized beach erosion—residents are urged to stay out of the water if they’re not experienced. Tourism Pipeline: The Guam Visitors Bureau is set to host a Guam Mega FAM Tour Sept. 3–7, bringing 200+ travel partners, media, and influencers from Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Malaysia for island tours and business matchmaking. Education Visitors: UOG will welcome about 1,000 Meikai University freshmen from Japan over two weeks, with a 2026 target of 4,525 international student participants. Port Security: Lawmakers are considering a bill to require standardized, high-security container seals for shipments arriving on Guam after reported seal discrepancies at the port. GVB Funding Access: GVB launched an online grants portal for its Tourism Works Micro-Grant, aiming to make applications faster and more transparent for tourism-related projects. Watershed-to-Reef Work: The GROW initiative highlights how restoring southern Guam watersheds—through tree planting and erosion control—helps protect freshwater and coral reefs. Shore Leave & Tourism Impact: USS Abraham Lincoln’s sailors are getting a long-awaited liberty stop in Pattaya, Thailand, where local officials expect a major boost to the local economy. Fuel Costs: Guam fuel prices jumped again—regular to $5.929/gal, premium $6.319, diesel $6.999—after a brief respite.

Tourism Trade Push: Guam Visitors Bureau is bringing 200+ travel partners, media, and digital influencers to the Sept. 3–7 Guam Mega FAM Tour, with curated island experiences, a Labor Day fiesta, Tumon Night Market access, and a tabletop marketplace for hotels, tours, transport, restaurants, and retailers to connect with overseas buyers. Visitor Funding Made Easier: GVB launched an online grants portal for its Tourism Works Micro-Grant, letting eligible businesses and nonprofits apply digitally for tourism-related projects like cultural, sports, eco-tourism, wellness, and community initiatives. Beach Cleanliness Call: A Destination Division team member shared how Tumon-area cleanups after busy weekends show trash left beside bins, urging visitors and locals to help keep Guam’s most visited spots welcoming. Sports Tourism Spotlight: Guam will send a 16-athlete jiu-jitsu delegation (plus about 50 supporters) to Tokyo for the 2026 SJJIF World Jiu-Jitsu Championship Sept. 3–6, aiming to boost Guam’s international sports profile. Regional Context: A long-awaited port call brings thousands of USS Abraham Lincoln sailors and Marines to Pattaya, Thailand, highlighting how military travel can affect tourism economies.