Taiwan

Is tourism good for Guam? Is tourism compatible with military?

Guam is a beautiful, but small island. Only 212 square miles, with a population of 160,000 people including military families. Over 1.2 million visitors, mostly from Japan & Korea. Average visitor stay is only 3 to 4 days since 1970. Visitor spending is about $680 per visit. The people of Guam love and welcome all visitors enthusiastically. But, tourism is barely supporting our businesses. Guam is only 4 to 5 hours from Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Manila, Port Moresby, & mainland China. What should we do? We have very limited resources.

Public Comments

1. Me and my teacher had a discussion about this when I went to McCool... We think Guam needs something to put it on the map other than the worlds biggest K-mart. I don't know how feasible it is, but we thought Guam should set up a HUGE theme park with the biggest and best roller coasters, thus gaining notoriety and thousands more tourists. Or possibly setting up a large ammunition factory which would seal its strategic significance for the military which is really the only thing that keeps the island going (It's position near so many countries would make it easy to procure materials at good rates) If it's feasible, it should seriously consider expanding its port to accommodate larger vessels, and along with being able to accommodate a carrier as the navy is interested in, it might have the potential to become a "bulk distribution" center for pacific carriers, but only if it can efficiently and cheaply do so, otherwise the ships'll keep on sailing. The only reason the military can get people to Guam, is because of the enticing tourist attractions, so they'll need to keep it going. Getting Continental to lower rates like the contract was supposed to do would help too, and if one of the universities could get SERIOUS prestige, I'm sure you could see an influx with that... Now that I've developed carpel tunnel in responding to your question, I must depart, have a great day, and I hope i helped! HAFA ADAI!!!
2. I think Guam needs to develop their cultural attractions more. I could see something like a Polynesian Cultural Center, but focusing on different cultures from the one in Hawaii (especially the Northern Marianas and a fiesta instead of a luau). Maybe an aquarium to visit? Maybe more access to some of the natural activities? There are some beautiful places such as Tarzan Falls that are almost inaccessible to someone not from the island. Of course in developing some of this, people who call Guam home will be unhappy with the tourists & commercialism. It would be nice if the government would/could put more money into making the island more beautiful - repaving roads, getting rid of graffitti, etc.