Regine Biscoe Lee, who was born in the 1980s, is the main character. Nicknamed “Miss Guam” during her college years, she will lead the tourism industry in Guam starting this year after serving as a senator for the 34th and 35th Guam Legislatures.
Korea accounted for the highest percentage of all overseas tourists in Guam last year. Last year, 374,635 Korean tourists visited Guam. The figure amounts to 50.6 percent, or more than half of the total number of overseas tourists in Guam.
The Guam government tourism agency returned with newer and richer benefits this year. This year, Guam is actively expanding its “direct air routes” for Korean tourists. From July, it will supply a total of 50,000 air seats every month.
“We are expanding both day and night flights for Korean travelers,” Director Rejin said. “We have added direct flights to Guam from June to Korean Air and from July to Jin Air and Jeju Air so that they can go to Guam at an easier and more reasonable cost.”
According to the Guam Government Tourism Agency, 43 percent of Guam tourists aged 40 to 49 currently rank first. The ratio of 25 to 39 years old ranks second in the 41 percent range. In other words, it is evenly controlled from the younger generation of travelers to family-level travelers. Recently, it is targeting even the active elderly generation of travelers.
“Guam is a good place to stay for a long time, equipped with facilities where people can enjoy golf, which is popular among the beach and the elderly,” said Commissioner Rezin. Asked why it should be “Guam” among many destinations, Commissioner Rezin answers with “Hafa adai” and “Only On Guam.” Harpaday is a Chamorro language greeting that contains Guam’s own “spirit of hospitality.”
“Not only officials from the Guam government, but also airlines, small business owners, and local residents are all participating in the Guam tourism promotion program as one body,” Director Rezin pointed out.
Another example is “Only on Guam,” a promotional campaign that introduces activities that can only be done in Guam. For example, there is a hiking trail that starts at the Mariana Trench, the world’s deepest undersea, which boasts a depth of 11,092 meters, and goes up to the top of Ramram Mountain. The height of the mountain itself is only 406 meters, but if calculated from the bottom of the Trench, you can experience the biggest altitude difference on Earth.
You can also enjoy a special experience at the port of Apra, a popular diving spot in Guam. Here, you can touch the German sunken ship Komoran used during World War I and the Japanese cargo ship Tokaimaru operated during World War II at the same time.
The Coco Road Race, an annual marathon event held in April, is also popular. It is perfect to experience a special marathon in Guam where you can run against the backdrop of green beaches and lush trees in the sea breeze.
If you want to enjoy a reasonable trip to Guam, pay attention from now on. First of all, you can stay at a hotel for free if you use Guam at night. You can stay at a certain hotel for three to four nights and come to Guam late at night for free.
“The hotel stay benefits given when using night flights in Guam will be a great option for travelers with limited budgets or multiple people traveling together,” Director Rezin said. “In fact, it is an optimization benefit for tourists in Korea who have a lot of night flights,” introducing a reasonable way to travel to Guam.
“Guam is home for me. It’s very easy, at least for me, to talk about Guam,” Commissioner Lezin said with a smile.
For her, Guam is “home.” It is to direct Korean tourists to Guam. For her, it’s like inviting her to her home. To that end, the director who was born in the 1980s took a different approach. This year’s Guam tour will focus on eco-tourism. While conserving Guam’s natural environment, he communicates with residents about Guam’s tourism issues and cares about their welfare. He pays attention to the personal experiences of tourists and Guam residents and unravels their stories through digital marketing.
“Korea is the most important market for Guam tourism,” Director Lezin said. “I want to consistently make a good impression by promoting Guam’s unique tourist elements that Korean travelers will like.”
JULIE KIM
US ASIA JOURNAL
