Gutierrez pushing for Japanese tourists to Guam

Japan – once Guam’s primary tourist market – has reduced its quarantine requirement from seven to three days, effective March 1. This has greatly increased the likelihood its citizens will travel to Guam. And the head of Guam’s tourism agency – former Gov. Carl Gutierrez – is pouncing on this opportunity.

The following is a news release from the Guam Visitors Bureau:

As Japan’s travel restrictions begin to ease, the Guam Visitors Bureau (GVB) has welcomed three groups of ambassadors to the island for a familiarization (fam) tour that re-introduces Guam’s activities and attractions to a recovering Japan market.

A total of nine ambassadors were selected through GVB’s #HereWeGuam contest in Japan out of a pool of more than 500 participants. Four were available to travel to Guam for the fam tour, which began February 21 and ends March 5, 2022. The #HereWeGuam ambassadors include NHK Radio DJ Akiko Tomita, Miss Universe Japan Personal Trainer Takuya Mizukami, Miss University Aichi 2020 Kanna, and Sports Influencer Lucas. The rest of the ambassadors are slated to travel to Guam later in the year.

“We certainly want Japan to know our island very well and hope our visitors enjoyed their stay here. I know they’ll be back because Guam is that kind of place. It wraps you up with our beauty, generosity, peaceful way, and relaxation,” said Guam Governor Lou Leon Guerrero. “We’ve also asked them to send our regards to the Prime Minister of Japan, Fushio Kishida, and ask him to open up Japan to Guam and the rest of the world.”

“We want to thank our guests for coming to the friendliest place you can imagine and we look forward to their help in spreading the message that Guam is open,” said Lt. Governor Joshua Tenorio. “We are also looking forward to many more Japanese returning to their second home in Guam.”

GVB is also working with HYPEBEAST Japan, a worldwide brand that is known for its focus on contemporary fashion, art, food, music, travel, and streetwear culture. The multi-platform company has a following of over eight million people with a mission to serve the curious and ever-changing spirit of youth. HYPEBEAST Japan was able to send its models Erika and Reina, as well as a media team to cover Guam’s appeal to Gen Z.

“We’re excited to have welcomed all of these Japanese ambassadors and HYPEBEAST Japan to our beautiful island and encouraged them to share with their country that Guam is open and ready for them,” said President & CEO Carl T.C. Gutierrez. “As we move forward with the tourism industry’s recovery efforts, we continue to communicate with our visitors that they can safely experience our attractions, hospitality, and culture.”

The groups participated in updated optional tours while on island that featured marine sports, hiking, culture, wellness, shopping, and restaurants.

As of March 1, Japan’s quarantine has been reduced from seven days to three days, pending a negative COVID test, for returning Japanese residents, business travelers, technical trainees, and foreign students.