Mawar Impacts May Arrivals, Industry Remains Resilient

Guam is anticipating storm recovery from the after effects of Typhoon Mawar in approximately six months’ time.

In the aftermath of Typhoon Mawar, the Guam Visitors Bureau (GVB) has released its May 2023 preliminary arrivals report and an update to its Fiscal Year 2023 visitor forecast.

The report, issued by the GVB Research & Strategic Planning Division, shows that pre-COVID recovery was on track with original projections of about 670K visitors for the fiscal year. However, arrivals were impacted by Typhoon Mawar, driving the Bureau to revise its original projections.

“Historical records indicate pre-typhoon monthly arrival levels recovering in six months on average. We are encouraged by the progress being made to the value chain destination experience, which we are supporting with grants through the Tourism Assistance Program currently underway,” said Acting President & CEO Gerry Perez.

“If past recoveries are any indication of the industry’s resiliency, then GVB is confident in our island’s unified effort to bounce back in the coming months.”

“Given the current state of our island along with market conditions, we have adjusted our FY2023 forecasts from 670K to around 515K for the remainder of the year,” said Nico Fujikawa, Director of Tourism Research & Strategic Planning. “While this adjustment represents an overall revision of a 23% reduction in arrivals for the fiscal year, GVB anticipates a quick recovery in the months ahead.”

Market Breakdown

As GVB continues its marketing efforts in its source visitor markets, arrival numbers are showing improvement compared to 2022.

Japan saw arrivals increase by 429% compared to the previous year while Korea arrivals increased by 186% over the same period last year.

Arrivals from Taiwan are up by 2,332%. Although there are no direct flights from Taiwan, charter flights within the market are ongoing through the end of July.

The Philippines has also seen a slight increase of 22% compared to last year, while other arrivals demonstrated positive growth to include Australia by 73%, Europe by 7%, and Singapore by 73%.

GVB will continue to work with small local businesses and industry partners to ensure they are supported as summer campaigns for tourism ramp up in mid-July.