AGP Executive Report

Typhoon Bavi Readiness: Guam is bracing for Super Typhoon Bavi with a State of Emergency and Condition of Readiness updates, including shelters opening at 7 a.m. Sunday and GMH suspending non-emergency services while keeping the ER open 24/7; expect major impacts as Bavi strengthens and damaging winds are forecast to begin Sunday night into early Tuesday. Airport & Travel Disruptions: GIAA says airlines have started canceling flights as the storm nears, urges passengers to monitor mobile alerts/SMS, and warns service amenities may be limited even if the airport stays open 24/7. Public Safety at Sea: A reminder for visitors and locals to check beach warning flags and heed rip-current and reef hazards before swimming or snorkeling. Tourism Calendar & Crowds: With July 4 weekend plans in motion, a guide highlights how to avoid crowds during America 250 celebrations. Sports & Guam Spotlight: Team Guam’s FIBA World Cup qualifier run continues after a tough 124-52 loss to Australia in Perth, with next matchups on the horizon.

Typhoon Bavi Emergency: Guam has entered a State of Emergency and Condition of Readiness 3 as Typhoon Bavi rapidly strengthens and could bring typhoon-force winds to the Marianas, with officials warning the track and impacts may shift; the U.S. Coast Guard is coordinating “One Marianas” preparations and urging residents and mariners to act now. Travel Disruption Watch: GIAA says the airport stays open 24/7 but services may be limited; passengers are urged to sign up for airline alerts, check flight status, and avoid unnecessary trips as cancellations/delays may come quickly. Beach Safety Reminder: A separate national report highlights how rip currents work and urges calm, “flip and float” guidance if caught—relevant as Guam’s beach season overlaps storm conditions. Tourism & Visitor Economy: Guam’s tourism recovery and airport finances remain in focus, including lawmakers questioning GIAA and discussing potential airline fee impacts. Nature & Conservation: Pittsburgh’s National Aviary hatched two Guam kingfisher chicks as part of a global plan to restore the species in snake-free areas—good news for Guam’s wildlife story and long-term eco-tourism appeal. Sports Spotlight: Guam’s teams and athletes keep showing up internationally, from beach volleyball U18 world championship qualifiers to Guam’s matchups in FIBA World Cup Asian qualifiers.

Typhoon Readiness: Guam has entered a state of emergency as Typhoon Bavi rapidly intensifies, with a typhoon watch issued for Guam, Saipan, Tinian and Rota and officials warning damaging winds could begin Sunday evening into early Tuesday; the governor moved the island to Condition of Readiness 3, while the U.S. Coast Guard urged residents and mariners to act now and monitor official guidance as track changes could shift impacts. Travel Alerts: The Guam airport reminded passengers to sign up for airline mobile alerts, check flight status before heading out, and expect limited services even if the airport stays open 24/7. Safety for Visitors: A separate public reminder highlights how to handle rip currents safely—stay calm, flip and float, and don’t panic if swept out. Tourism & Community: With weather uncertainty looming, the Guam Election Commission said early in-person voting will continue through July 25 even if Bavi delays the planned opening, and GTA Gives launched its Back-to-School Supply Drive through July 31 to support Sanctuary, Inc.

Tourism & Airport Oversight: Guam’s tourism industry is under “serious pressure,” lawmakers said at a June 30 joint hearing, questioning the Guam Visitors Bureau’s $10M airline incentive and demanding measurable results as enplanements dropped 21% in April and 11% in May, with a hoped-for July rebound. Airport Weather Alert: With Tropical Storm Bavi expected to develop, GIAA urged travelers to check flight status, sign up for airline/mobile alerts, and note the airport stays open 24/7 even if services are limited. Visitor Economy Watch: A Guam Tourism Review highlighted the state of tourism recovery, while a separate note flagged April operating revenue shortfalls and the push for a July lift. Sports Tourism Spotlight: Guam beach volleyball stars Alessandra Leon Guerrero and Erica Cassidy will represent the island at the July 8-12 U18 World Championships in The Hague, boosting international visibility. Community Events: GTA Gives launched its Back-to-School Supply Drive for Sanctuary, and the July 4 MWR Freedom Rocks festival at Naval Base Guam is set for Sumay Cove Marina with strict access and prohibited items. Travel Safety & Nature: Volunteers at Andersen Air Force Base joined a brown tree snake workshop and hunt, underscoring ongoing invasive species efforts that protect Guam’s outdoor visitor experience.

Tourism Oversight: Guam Visitors Bureau and the airport authority faced tough questions at a joint legislative hearing, with lawmakers calling GVB’s $10M airline incentive a “bad bet” and warning tourism recovery is “pretty bleak,” while GIAA requested $17.7M amid a projected $10.5M revenue shortfall and possible airline fee hikes. Airport & Travel Demand: GIAA data showed enplanements down sharply in April (-21%) and May (-11%), with June expected to stay weak but July seat capacity expected to rally. Community & Visitor Experience: GTA Gives launched its annual Back-to-School Supply Drive for Sanctuary, Inc., with donation boxes at GTA stores through July 31. Nature & Safety: Volunteers joined a brown tree snake workshop and hunt at Andersen Air Force Base, targeting Guam’s invasive threat. Local Events: Talo’fo’fo Banana Festival runs July 24–26 at Ipan Beach Park, and the Guam Freedom Rocks festival is set for July 4 at Sumay Cove Marina (base access rules apply). Sports Tourism Tie-In: Guam beach volleyball duo Alessandra “Ally” Leon Guerrero and Erica Cassidy will represent Guam at the July 8–12 U18 World Championships in The Hague.

Tourism Oversight: Guam Visitors Bureau and airport officials faced tough questions at a legislative joint hearing over tourism recovery and a $10M GVB appropriation, with lawmakers warning results are “pretty bleak” and pushing for measurable accountability. Airport Pressure: A.B. Won Pat International Airport data showed sharp April (-21%) and May (-11%) drops in enplanements, though officials expect a July rally tied to seat capacity and flights. Local Events (July 4): Naval Base Guam’s MWR “Freedom Rocks” festival is set for July 4 at Sumay Cove Marina with fireworks at 8 p.m.; base access rules and a long list of prohibited items apply. Community Giving: GTA Gives launched its annual Back-to-School Supply Drive for Sanctuary, Inc., with donation boxes at GTA stores through July 31. Sports & Youth: Fall 2026 PONY Baseball League registration is open for Guam teams, and Guam’s U18 beach volleyball duo (Ally Leon Guerrero, Erica Cassidy) will represent Guam at the July 8–12 World Championships in The Hague. Travel Safety Watch: Guam is monitoring Invest 95W, now a medium chance for development, but no watches or warnings are in effect as the system lingers near the Marshall Islands.

Defense & Readiness: The U.S. Air Force is relocating RQ-4 Global Hawk drones from Andersen Air Force Base in Guam to Yokota Air Base in Japan, a move experts say boosts flexibility for Taiwan contingencies and helps avoid Guam’s typhoon season. Tourism Oversight: Guam’s tourism and airport agencies faced tough questions at a legislative joint hearing, with lawmakers calling results “pretty bleak” and grilling the Guam Visitors Bureau over a $10 million airline incentive and accountability. Airport Watch: Guam International Airport Authority reported an April operating revenue shortfall of about $1.4M, while officials look to a July rebound amid shifting passenger trends. Youth Sports & Events: Registration is open for the Fall 2026 PONY Baseball League (Aug start) and Guam’s U18 beach volleyball duo will represent the island at the July 8–12 World Championships in The Hague. Holiday Fun: The Talo’fo’fo Banana Festival runs July 24–26 at Ipan Beach Park, and Naval Base Guam’s Freedom Rocks festival is set for July 4 with fireworks. Weather: Tropical disturbance Invest 95W is organizing near the Marshalls, with Guam currently under no cyclone watches or warnings as the July 4 travel weekend approaches.

Tourism Finance Watch: Guam Visitors Bureau officials faced lawmakers in an oversight hearing, defending a $10M appropriation while airport authority leaders discussed a projected $10M+ revenue shortfall and a possible $17.7M request to keep operations afloat. Visitor Numbers & Market Mix: Despite a 24% May decline in overall arrivals, GVB reported stronger-than-expected tourism tax collections and noted year-to-date arrivals are up 9.6%, with South Korea down sharply while U.S./Hawaii, China and Hong Kong grew. Tumon Safety Upgrade: GVB board approval moved the Matapang Beach restoration rescue base forward, aiming to reduce emergency response bottlenecks for beachgoers and the daily Tumon visitor surge. Invasive Species Policy: Senators and shippers backed a bill to simplify Guam’s invasive species inspection fee collection, shifting costs to importers and carriers without raising port fees. Weather Alert for Travelers: Invest 95W is now rated a medium chance to develop, with Guam currently under no cyclone watches or warnings, but officials urged basic preparedness as forecasts remain uncertain. Holiday & Community Events: Naval Base Guam plans Independence Day festivities with festival and fireworks, while Morale/Welfare/Recreation Guam’s Freedom Rocks festival is set for July 4 at Sumay Cove Marina with fireworks at 8 p.m. Family Travel Calendar: Registration opened for the Fall 2026 PONY Baseball League at Triple J Guam Baseball Academy Field, with eight guaranteed games and travel-team opportunities.

4th of July on Base: Morale, Welfare, and Recreation Guam’s “Freedom Rocks” festival is set for July 4 at Sumay Cove Marina on U.S. Naval Base Guam, with games and water sports starting 5 p.m. and fireworks at 8 p.m.; access is limited by force protection, and the event has moved from Polaris Point due to construction. Tumon Safety Upgrade: Despite a 24% May drop in arrivals, the Guam Visitors Bureau board approved moving forward with a Matapang Beach rescue station for the Guam Fire Department to reduce emergency response bottlenecks in the tourism district. Tourism Push, Visa Talks: Guam officials met in Manila to advance the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program with the Philippine Bureau of Immigration, aiming for a coordinated, data-driven pathway to include the Philippines. Local Events for Visitors: Hotel Nikko Guam is running a Summer & Fall Meat & Beer banquet promotion through Oct. 31, and Tumon Night Market returns Sunday with a Pride theme plus road closures and traffic controls. Community & Access: The Guam Election Commission is using ballot-marking devices for private, independent voting, with 10 machines planned for Westin Resort Guam during early voting July 7–25.

Tourism Economy Watch: Guam Visitors Bureau says May visitor arrivals fell 24%, but tourism tax collections beat budget, with Tourist Attraction Fund cash at $2.756M (about 12% above projections) and FY26 arrivals through May up 9.6% year-to-date despite a steep 50.6% drop from South Korea. Beach Safety & Infrastructure: GVB board approved an Invitation for Bid for a permanent Guam Fire Department rescue base at Matapang Beach Park in Tumon to cut emergency response bottlenecks. Tumon Night Market Pride: The weekly Tumon Night Market returns Sunday with a Pride theme, music and a mini parade, plus road closures starting 7 a.m. Hotel Deal: Hotel Nikko Guam is running a Summer & Fall Meat & Beer Banquet Promotion through Oct. 31. Travel Access Push: Guam officials met in Manila to advance a Guam-CNMI visa waiver pathway that would include the Philippines. Community & Culture: Machida Shoten opened in Guam with Yokohama-style ramen, and B!ba Guam Jiu-Jitsu athletes head to Japan for the ASJJF Rolling Tour 7. Weather Alert: A tropical disturbance near the Marshall Islands was upgraded to a medium chance of development, with possible impacts for the Marianas later in the period. Public Safety Update: Search for missing Robert A.T. “Berta” Taimanglo continues after a Pagat hiking trail sighting; authorities ask the public for tips.

Tourism Economy: Guam’s tourism tax collections came in stronger than expected even as May visitor arrivals fell 24%, with GVB approving a Matapang Beach rescue base bid to improve emergency response in Tumon. Visitor Safety & Infrastructure: The Guam Fire Department rescue station at Matapang Beach Park moves forward after GVB board approval, aiming to reduce response bottlenecks for beachgoers. Arrivals Watch: GVB research director reports May arrivals down 23.5% year over year, driven largely by South Korea’s drop, reduced flight schedules, and higher travel costs from fuel surcharges. Events in Tumon: Tumon Night Market returns Sunday with a Pride theme, plus road closures and traffic controls starting 7 a.m. Deals & Hospitality: Hotel Nikko Guam is running a Summer & Fall Meat & Beer Banquet promotion through Oct. 31, with booking perks and discounted beer kegs. Travel Policy: Guam lawmakers and airport officials met in Manila to push for the Philippines to be included in the Guam-CNMI visa waiver program. Community & Culture: USS George Washington sailors helped clean Ypao Beach Park, supporting Guam’s inafa’maolek spirit.

Tourism arrivals: Guam’s May visitor numbers fell 23.5% year-over-year, driven mainly by South Korea down about 51% as airlines cut capacity and shifted schedules, with fares also pressured by surging fuel surcharges. Tourism events: Tumon Night Market returns Sunday with a Pride theme (5 p.m.–9 p.m.) plus a mini parade and performances; road closures start 7 a.m. and local access rules are in place. Sports & community travel draw: Registration is open for the Mall Ball 3x3 Adult/Open Tournament (July 17–19 at Micronesia Mall) with men’s and women’s divisions, cash prizes, and a Free Throw Fly Away Challenge for a Southeast Asia roundtrip ticket. Regional travel push: A Guam delegation met in Manila to advance Guam-CNMI visa waiver efforts with the Philippine Bureau of Immigration, aiming to build a coordinated, data-driven case. Cost pressure for visitors and locals: The Guam Power Authority fuel surcharge (LEAC) rises July 1, pushing the average residential bill from about $260 to $319. Public safety: Police and Fire continue searching for Roberta “Berta” Taimanglo after her vehicle was spotted near the Pagat hiking trail; GPD is also investigating an arson incident in Piti. Food scene: Machida Shoten opened in Guam, bringing Yokohama-style ramen to families and visitors.

Tourism & Travel Demand: Guam’s visitor arrivals fell 23.5% in May year-over-year, driven mainly by South Korea’s drop (about 51%) plus reduced flight schedules and higher travel costs, with Jeju Air and T’way Air suspending service while Air Seoul and Air Busan added capacity that wasn’t enough. Tourism Planning & Access: Guam officials met in Manila with the Philippine Bureau of Immigration to advance adding the Philippines to the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program, focusing on a coordinated, data-driven pathway for security and procedures. Events in Tumon: The Tumon Night Market returns Sunday with a Pride theme (5 p.m.–9 p.m.), plus entertainment and a mini parade; road closures start 7 a.m. and traffic rules will funnel access to Tumon businesses. Sports Tourism: Micronesia Mall opened registration for the Mall Ball 3x3 Adult/Open Tournament (July 17–19) with FIBA-certified courts, cash prizes, and a Free Throw Fly Away Challenge offering a Southeast Asia roundtrip ticket. Power Costs for Travelers & Locals: Guam Power Authority’s fuel surcharge approved by the PUC will raise the average residential bill by about $58 starting July 1. Community & Culture: Machida Shoten celebrated its Guam opening with authentic Yokohama-style ramen, adding another family-friendly dining option for visitors.

Tumon Night Market (Pride theme): The weekly Tumon Night Market returns Sunday, June 28 with a Happy Pride Month lineup, including Smiles Davis, DJ Oz, SKIP Entertainment and Jio, plus a mini parade vibe and family-friendly, alcohol-free atmosphere. It runs 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., with road closures starting 7 a.m. (northbound) and 2 p.m. (southbound), and shuttle parking at Ypao Beach Park. Tourism demand update: Guam’s May visitor arrivals fell 23.5% year over year, driven mainly by South Korea’s slump (down about 51%) as flight schedules and capacity shifted after Super Typhoon Sinlaku and amid higher travel costs. Beach safety reminder: A national beach-safety story highlights what to do if caught in a rip current—stay calm, flip onto your back, and float out of danger. Community & culture: Machida Shoten opened on Guam with authentic Yokohama-style ramen, adding another family-friendly dining option for visitors. Sports spotlight: B!ba Guam Jiu-Jitsu athletes were selected to represent Guam at ASJJF Rolling Tour 7 in Nagoya, Japan. Public safety: Police continue searching for Roberta “Berta” Taimanglo after her vehicle was spotted near the Pagat hiking trailhead in Mangilao.

Tumon Night Market Pride: The weekly Tumon Night Market goes Pride-themed this Sunday (June 28) with music, performances, and a mini parade. It runs 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., with road closures starting 7 a.m. on northbound San Vitores Road (turnaround at Tumon Sands Plaza) and southbound closures at 2 p.m. (turnaround at Hyatt Regency Guam). Tourism Demand Watch: Guam’s May visitor arrivals fell 23.5% year over year, driven mainly by South Korea’s slump (down about 51%) amid reduced flight schedules and higher travel costs. Power Costs for Visitors & Locals: The Guam Public Utilities Commission approved a fuel surcharge increase that will raise the average residential power bill by about $58 starting July 1. Beach & Community Clean-Up: USS George Washington sailors volunteered with the Guam Visitors Bureau to clean up Ypao Beach Park, collecting 10 bags of trash. Local Food Scene: Machida Shoten opened in Guam, bringing authentic Yokohama-style ramen with thick noodles and customizable broth and salt levels. Sports & Events: Registration is open for the Micronesia Mall Ball 3x3 adult/open tournament (July 17–19) with cash prizes and a free-throw “Fly Away” challenge.

New Dining Spot: Machida Shoten opened on Guam with authentic Yokohama-style ramen, bringing thick straight noodles, rich tonkotsu broth, and customizable options to families looking for a fresh local favorite. Tourism Numbers Watch: Guam arrivals fell 23.5% in May year over year, driven mainly by South Korea’s sharp drop (about 51%) plus reduced flight schedules and higher travel costs. Beach Community Goodwill: USS George Washington sailors volunteered with the Guam Visitors Bureau to clean up Ypao Beach Park, collecting 10 bags of trash during their port visit tied to Exercise Valiant Shield. Power Costs for Travelers & Locals: The Guam Public Utilities Commission approved a fuel surcharge hike that raises the average residential bill about $58 starting July 1, a reminder that operating costs can ripple into visitor experience. Events: Registration is open for the Micronesia Mall Ball 3x3 tournament (July 17–19) with cash prizes and a free Southeast Asia roundtrip giveaway via Goodwind Travel. Visitor Safety Reminder: Lifeguards stress rip-current survival basics—stay calm, flip onto your back, and float out of danger.