AGP Executive Report

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.

Beach & Community Cleanup: USS George Washington sailors volunteered with Guam Visitors Bureau staff to clean up Governor Joseph Flores Memorial Park at Ypao Beach, collecting 10 bags of trash as part of community relations during Exercise Valiant Shield. Visitor Economy Watch: Guam’s May arrivals fell 23.5% year over year, driven mainly by South Korea’s drop (about 51%) amid flight schedule changes, suspended services, and higher travel costs. Power Costs: Guam Power Authority’s fuel surcharge is set to rise, pushing the average residential bill up about $58 starting July 1. Tourism-Friendly Events: Tumon Night Market returns Sunday, June 28 (5–9 p.m.) with Pride Month programming and road closures plus shuttle parking guidance. Sports & Travel Momentum: Registration is open for Micronesia Mall’s Mall Ball 3x3 Adult/Open Tournament (July 17–19), with cash prizes and a free Southeast Asia ticket free-throw challenge. Regional Travel Link: Guam and CNMI officials advanced visa waiver talks with Philippine immigration, aiming to reduce the visa bottleneck for Filipino travelers. Safety Reminder: A national AP explainer highlights rip current survival tips—stay calm, flip and float.

Tourism & Travel Boost: Guam and the CNMI are pushing to include the Philippines in the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program after a Manila meeting with Philippine immigration officials, with talks focused on passport controls and safeguards that could reduce the visa “bottleneck” for Filipino travelers. Visitor Numbers Watch: The Marianas Visitors Authority reports May arrivals down 82% year-over-year to 2,171, but notes recovery momentum as international flights resume and Jeju Air restarts Saipan service. Local Events: Registration is open for the Mall Ball 3x3 Adult/Open Tournament at Micronesia Mall (July 17–19), with cash prizes and a “Free Throw Fly Away” challenge offering a Southeast Asia roundtrip ticket. Beach Safety: A national AP explainer highlights how to survive rip currents—stay calm, flip onto your back, and float out of danger—timely for Guam’s beach season. Power Costs: Guam Power Authority fuel surcharges approved by the PUC will raise the average residential bill about $58 starting July 1. Community & Culture: Tumon Night Market returns Sunday (June 28) with Pride Month programming, plus major San Vitores Road road-closure and shuttle details.

Tourism Recovery & Air Access: Guam and the Marianas are still feeling the aftershocks of Sinlaku, but travel momentum is returning—Saipan’s international flights resumed with Jeju Air restarting Seoul–Saipan service, while the Marianas Visitors Authority reported May arrivals down 82% year-over-year as recovery continues. Visa & Visitor Growth: Guam lawmakers and Philippine immigration officials advanced Guam–CNMI Visa Waiver Program talks, aiming to remove a “passenger bottleneck” that can suppress demand. Airport & Visitor Economy: Antonio B. Won Pat International Airport posted a clean FY2025 audit with $11M more in revenue, even as officials warn near-term strains and push to stabilize seat capacity and flight schedules; the airport also moved to extend the Lotte Duty Free retail concession. Community & Careers: UOG signed an MoU with Goodwind Development Corporation to expand internships and workforce pathways for students and graduates—an effort that supports local talent for Guam’s growing visitor and business needs. Safety on the Beach: A widely shared AP explainer reminds swimmers about rip currents and the lifeguard advice to stay calm, flip onto your back, and float out of danger. Local Resilience: A youth basketball club canceled an off-island Guam trip due to Sinlaku recovery impacts, underscoring how the storm is still reshaping schedules.

Rip Current Safety: Lifeguards and the U.S. Lifesaving Association warn that rip currents are a top cause of beach rescues and deaths, urging people to stay calm, flip onto your back, and float out of danger. Marianas Travel Hit by Storm Recovery: Marianas Visitors Authority reports May arrivals down 82% year-over-year to 2,171 after Super Typhoon Sinlaku temporarily halted international flights; Jeju Air resumes Seoul–Saipan service and more routes are planned. Visa Waiver Push: A Guam delegation met Philippine immigration officials to advance adding the Philippines to the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program—supporters say it could ease travel and boost tourism demand. Airport & Tourism Economics: Guam airport revenues rose $11M in FY2025 on a clean audit, even as officials flag near-term revenue strain and watch seat capacity and airline schedules. New Visitor Offer: IHG launched a 25%–30% “Destinations Deals” sale for select stays June 29–Aug. 9, 2026. Community & Nature for Travelers: UOG and partners held a brown treesnake workshop and nighttime hunt at Tarague Beach to protect Guam’s ecosystem—an important backdrop for wildlife-focused visitors. Health Access for Veterans: VA opened a Dededo outpatient clinic annex, expanding primary care, mental health, labs, and prosthetic support for Guam veterans.

Visa Waiver Push: Guam and CNMI officials met Philippine immigration leaders in Manila to set up a joint working group for the Philippines’ inclusion in the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program—aimed at easing travel and boosting tourism demand. Airport & Tourism Watch: Guam airport revenues rose $11M in FY2025 on a clean audit, but leaders warn of near-term strains as seat capacity shifts and cancellations hit traffic; in parallel, GIAA extended the Lotte Duty Free concession to keep terminal retail running while a new bid process moves forward. Veteran Care Closer to Home: VA opened a new Dededo outpatient clinic annex, expanding primary care, mental health, labs, and prosthetics for Guam’s veterans—good news for families and visitors tied to military communities. Invasive Species Outreach: UOG and partners ran a Brown Treesnake workshop and nighttime hunt at Tarague Beach, teaching residents how to spot, safely handle, and help dispatch the invasive threat. Travel Disruption Alert: Another tropical disturbance (Invest 94W) is expected to bring showers and gusty winds to Guam as early as Tuesday. Saipan Flight Update: Jeju Air resumed direct Seoul–Saipan service after Sinlaku, with multiple weekly flights planned through late October. Family-Friendly Deals: IHG launched a 25%–30% off “Destinations Deals” sale for select stays June 29–Aug. 9, booking through June 28.

Andersen AFB Runway Readiness: A 53rd CAOS team fast-tracked critical runway repairs at Guam’s Andersen Air Force Base ahead of Indo-Pacific exercise Valiant Shield, compressing a typical setup into two days after Super Typhoon Sinlaku damage. Veteran Care Expansion: VA opened a new Dededo outpatient clinic annex, adding primary care, prosthetics support, lab services, and in-person mental health for Guam’s veterans. Visa Waiver Push: Guam and Philippine officials in Manila advanced a working group to bring the Philippines into the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program, a move supporters say could lift tourism. Air Service & Tourism Recovery: Saipan welcomed the return of international flights as Jeju Air resumed direct service from Seoul Incheon, with four weekly flights through Oct. 25 and daily service during peak periods. Airport Revenue Watch: Guam airport revenues rose $11M in FY2025 on a clean audit, but leaders warn of near-term strains tied to seat capacity and flight changes. Brown Treesnake Hunt: UOG and partners hosted a community workshop and nighttime snake hunt at Tarague Beach to help protect native species and reduce invasive spread. New Dining Option: Machida Shoten opened in Guam, bringing Yokohama-style ramen to Tumon-area food lovers. GVB Oversight Scheduled: A June 30 legislative hearing will review GIAA and GVB tourism recovery and airport/visitor funding, with sensitive GVB legal matters listed under attorney-client privilege. Weather Alert: Another tropical disturbance (Invest 94W) is expected to bring showers and gusty winds to Guam as early as Tuesday.

Invasive Species & Community Safety: UOG CIS & Sea Grant and Joint Region Marianas held a Brown Treesnake Control Workshop and SnakeHunt at Tarague Beach, teaching residents how to identify, safely handle, and humanely dispatch the invasive snake to protect Guam’s birds and prevent spread. Tourism & Air Access: Saipan welcomed the return of international flights as Jeju Air resumed direct service from Seoul Incheon, with four weekly flights through Oct. 25 and more frequent service during peak periods—an important boost for Marianas visitor recovery. Airport Business & Passenger Experience: Antonio B. Won Pat International Airport reported FY2025 revenues up $11M in a clean audit, while officials warned of near-term strains tied to seat capacity shifts; the airport also extended Lotte Duty Free’s retail concession and introduced a Concourse Access Pass allowing non-ticketed shoppers to access airside dining/shops with validated parking. Local Governance & Oversight: A June 30 legislative oversight hearing will review GIAA and GVB operations, finances, air service development, and tourism recovery forecasts. Weather Watch: Another tropical disturbance (Invest 94W) is nearing the Marianas and could bring showers and gusty winds into Tuesday. Food & Culture: Machida Shoten opened in Guam, bringing Yokohama-style ramen to the island.

Airport & Retail Updates: Guam airport revenues rose $11M in FY2025 on a clean audit, but officials warn of near-term pressure as seat capacity and flights shift; the board also extended Lotte Duty Free’s terminal retail concession through the transition to a new operator. Tourism Recovery & Air Service: GVB says tourism’s economic impact grew about $200M from 2024 to 2025, with hopes that easing jet fuel costs and returning South Korean flights (including Busan/Incheon) will help; meanwhile, United announced new nonstop Japan routes that should open easier connections to Guam, Saipan, and Palau. Community & Visitor Experience: GIAA launched a Concourse Access Pass letting non-ticketed visitors shop and dine airside, with a $3 validated parking flat rate for qualifying purchases. Local Nature & Outdoor Fun: More than 125 people joined a brown tree snake workshop and nighttime hunt at Gab Gab Beach to protect native wildlife and prevent spread to other islands. Health & Access: VA opened a new Dededo outpatient clinic annex aimed at filling veteran care gaps, adding primary care, mental health, and lab services. Culture on Guam: Sakai Liberal High School returned for a Friendship Recital at Micronesia Mall during the Mall Ball 3×3 tournament. Disaster Aftermath: DPW estimates about $104M in Sinlaku damage to Marine Corps Drive, with bridge stabilization work underway.

Airport & Tourism Finance: Antonio B. Won Pat International Airport revenues rose by $11M in FY2025 on a clean audit, but officials warn of near-term pressure as seat capacity and flight schedules flatten; the airport also extended the Lotte Duty Free retail concession to keep services steady while a new bid process moves forward. Air Service & Visitor Recovery: Guam Visitors Bureau says tourism is seeing “light at the end of the tunnel” as Iran-war tensions ease could reduce jet fuel surcharges and help restore suspended South Korean routes, while GVB reports tourism impact climbed to $1.6B in 2025 and jobs rose to 15,100. Marianas Connectivity: United Airlines announced new nonstop Japan routes that should open easier one-stop connections to Guam, Saipan, and Palau. Local Experiences: Machida Shoten opened its Yokohama-style ramen spot in Guam, adding another family-friendly dining option for visitors. Invasive Species & Nature Tourism: More than 125 people joined a brown tree snake workshop and nighttime hunt at Gab Gab Beach to protect native wildlife. Weather Watch: Tropical Depression 07W brought Guam its roughest night in months with gusts up to 55 mph, and Invest 92W is also expected to bring heavy rain and gusty winds.

Father’s Day on Guam: Families marked the holiday at Ypao Beach Park and Matapang Beach, sharing traditions and the values they want to pass to the next generation. Airport & tourism access: Guam International Airport rolled out a Concourse Access Pass letting non-ticketed visitors shop and dine airside, with a $3 parking flat-rate for qualifying purchases. GVB audit + visitor rebound: Guam Visitors Bureau says it received its first clean financial audit in more than six years, alongside 2025 tourism gains—direct spending up to $1.2B and total impact to $1.6B. Air connectivity boost: United added new nonstop Japan routes (Tokyo-Narita and Sapporo), opening easier one-stop connections to Guam, Saipan, and Palau. Disaster readiness for visitors: GHRA says Guam hotels are key for mass care and temporary housing during disasters, coordinating with GVB and emergency officials. Storm watch: Tropical Depression 07W/Invest 92W brought Guam’s roughest night in months and forecasts warn of heavy rain and gusty winds, with residents urged to prepare. Airport retail continuity: Lotte Duty Free agreed to extend its airport retail concession contract while GIAA completes a new procurement process. Road recovery after Sinlaku: DPW estimates about $104M in Marine Corps Drive road damage and is moving to shore up Ajayan Bridge after storm surges. Tourism market push: GVB brought “Guam With Me: The Manila Event” to the Philippines with cultural performances and direct travel packages aimed at boosting recovery.

Airport Revenue Watch: Guam International Airport Authority says it has a “revenue problem,” with signatory revenues, concession income, and passenger facility charges all running below budget—linked to tourism softness and flight cancellations after Super Typhoon Sinlaku. Tourism Accountability: Guam Visitors Bureau celebrates its first clean financial audit in over six years, while reporting tourism spending and economic impact gains in 2025. Retail Continuity at the Airport: Lotte Duty Free will extend its airport retail concession contract for up to three more years to keep services steady while a new concessionaire is selected. Disaster Recovery & Roads: DPW estimates about $104M in Sinlaku damage to roads and $10.59M to bridges, including urgent stabilization work for Ajayan Bridge. Weather Alert for Travelers: Tropical Depression 07W/Invest 92W brings Guam its roughest night in months, with strong gusts and heavy rain risk—expect impacts on beach plans and outdoor activities. Getting More Visitors In: GVB pushes market momentum with a “Guam With Me” event in Manila featuring CHamoru culture and travel deals, aiming to boost Guam’s recovery. Connectivity & Airfare Pressure: Guam and CNMI leaders again press U.S. lawmakers on high Marianas air costs and the need for better air service options. On-the-Ground Visitor Experience: GIAA’s Concourse Access Pass lets non-ticketed visitors shop and dine airside, plus discounted parking for qualifying purchases. Culture on the Calendar: Sakai Liberal High School returns to Micronesia Mall for a Friendship Recital, continuing Guam-Japan cultural exchange.

Tourism Finance Win: Guam Visitors Bureau says it just received its first clean financial audit in over six years, with zero findings or material weaknesses, as it prepares for FY2027 budget talks and targets 1.1 million visitors. Visitor Economy Update: GVB also reports tourism impact rose to about $1.6B in 2025 (up from $1.4B), with direct visitor spending climbing to $1.2B and tourism-supported jobs increasing to 15,100. Airport Retail Access: Guam International Airport rolled out a Concourse Access Pass letting non-ticketed visitors shop and dine airside, plus a $3 parking flat-rate deal for approved participants who spend $25+. Air Connectivity Boost: United Airlines announced new nonstop flights from the U.S. to Japan (Tokyo-Narita and Sapporo) starting Oct. 24, opening easier one-stop connections to Guam, Saipan, and Palau. Disaster Readiness & Recovery: Guam hotels are being positioned as key mass-care and temporary housing partners during emergencies, with GVB and GHRA coordinating crisis communications and visitor support. Infrastructure After Sinlaku: DPW estimates about $104M in damage along Marine Corps Drive from Super Typhoon Sinlaku, including road, drainage, and bridge impacts. Weather Watch: Invest 92W is expected to bring rougher conditions to Guam and the CNMI, with gusty winds and heavy rain possible. Tourism Policy Pressure: Senator Jesse Lujan scheduled an oversight hearing on the GVB scandal, keeping tourism governance in the spotlight. Local Tourism Push: GVB brought Guam culture and travel deals to the Philippines via “Guam With Me: The Manila Event,” aiming to grow a key emerging market.

Airport & Retail: Lotte Duty Free will keep operating at Guam International Airport under a contract extension approved by the GIAA board, giving the airport time to run a new specialty retail concession search and transition to a new operator. Tourism Finance: The Guam Visitors Bureau says it received its first clean financial audit in more than six years, while reporting tourism growth in 2025, including higher visitor spending and tourism-supported jobs. Visitor Access: GIAA launched a Concourse Access Pass program letting non-ticketed visitors shop and dine airside, with a $3 validated parking flat rate for qualifying purchases. Disaster Readiness: Invest 92W is expected to bring unsettled weather and locally heavy rain to Guam and the Marianas, with gusty winds and possible flooding in low areas—officials are urging residents to secure loose items and limit beach activity. Air Connectivity: United Airlines announced new nonstop flights from the U.S. mainland to Japan, opening easier one-stop connections to Guam, Saipan, and Palau. Infrastructure & Tourism Safety: A letter urges Guam to fix neglected sidewalks and pedestrian access near the airport, arguing safety issues are hurting the visitor experience. Hotel Role in Emergencies: GHRA says Guam hotels are key mass-care and temporary housing partners during disasters, coordinating with GVB and emergency officials.

Tropical Weather: Invest 92W (from Invest 92W) is expected to bring Guam its roughest conditions in months, with gusts reported up to 55 mph at Antonio B. Won Pat and forecasts warning of heavy showers, thunderstorms, and gusty winds as the system passes close late Thursday into early Friday. Airport Access & Visitor Experience: GIAA launched a Concourse Access Pass letting non-ticketed visitors shop and dine airside, with a $3 validated parking flat rate for approved participants spending $25+ within a 3-hour access limit. Air Connectivity: United Airlines will add new nonstop Japan routes (Tokyo-Narita and Sapporo) starting Oct. 24, opening easier one-stop connections to Guam, Saipan, and Palau. Tourism Finance Milestone: The Guam Visitors Bureau secured its first clean financial audit in over six years, while 2025 tourism numbers show direct visitor spending rising to $1.2B and total economic impact reaching $1.6B. Market Push (Philippines): GVB brought Guam culture and travel deals to Manila through “Guam With Me,” featuring CHamoru performances and direct-to-consumer packages. Local Policy & Infrastructure: A bill proposes a public-private partnership for a permanent Guam Department of Revenue and Taxation headquarters to reduce long-term leasing costs, and another measure would revamp DMV driver licensing with adults potentially skipping the permit phase if they pass an on-road test. Safety & Planning: Guam EPA issued an advisory for 12 beaches, and residents are urged to prepare for rain and wind as the storm threat develops.

Airlift & Costs: Guam’s leaders told a U.S. Senate panel that airfare to and from the Marianas is being driven up by cabotage rules, with roundtrips now costing thousands and limiting options for residents and veterans. Tourism Finance: The Guam Visitors Bureau says it received its first clean financial audit in more than six years, while tourism’s economic impact rose to about $1.6B in 2025 and visitor spending climbed to $1.2B. Fuel & Flight Recovery: GVB expects jet fuel surcharges to ease and says suspended South Korea routes could return as early as July, boosting Incheon service. Disaster Readiness: Guam Hotel Restaurant Association says hotels are key mass-care and temporary housing partners in emergencies, coordinating with GVB and Civil Defense through established emergency support functions. Weather Watch: Invest 92W is reorganizing and may pass near Guam, bringing showers, thunderstorms, gusty winds, and locally heavy rain into late Thursday/Friday. Visitor Marketing: GVB brought Guam culture and direct travel deals to Manila through “Guam With Me,” targeting the Philippines as a growing recovery market. Tourism Spotlight: Guam was named a top U.S. destination to watch fireworks from a boat for the Fourth of July. Local Travel Pressure Point: A letter argues Guam’s unsafe, neglected sidewalks are hurting tourism and visitor safety.