Over 300 Applications Submitted for Tourism Assistance Program

$1.4 million has already been committed to assist small local businesses in Guam through the Tourism Assistance Program.

The Guam Visitors Bureau (GVB)’s Tourism Assistance Program (TAP) has received more than 300 grant applications from small local businesses impacted by Typhoon Mawar since the program launched on June 14.

Under TAP, qualified small businesses that support the tourism industry can receive grants up to $25,000 subject to the availability of funds. The program is on a first come, first served basis and is based on a tiered system of grant awards. Of the $2 million allocated for GVB’s TAP budget, $1.4 million is already committed toward grant recipients.

“Our goal is to expedite financial assistance for our small local businesses in our industry that need immediate support. This is a critical step forward so they can reopen their doors before our summer season ramps up in mid-July,” said Acting GVB President & CEO Gerry Perez. “Alongside Governor Lou Leon Guerrero and Lt. Governor Josh Tenorio, we are working hard to prepare Guam to welcome travelers from our source markets and thank our tourism partners for being resilient through this ongoing recovery.”

GVB is also encouraging eligible businesses to continue supporting GVB’s efforts with future campaigns and promotions.

Registration requirements

To be eligible for the program, a small business must have the following criteria:

•             Local tourism-related business that will re-open on or before July 15, 2023.

•             Can certify that the business is directly related to or in support of international or military guests visiting Guam.

•             Can provide evidence of economic/financial hardship or can provide evidence of damage associated with Typhoon Mawar (photos, videos and/or other documentation recommended).

Eligible companies must provide and complete the following as part of the grant application process:

•             W-9 Form

•             Copy of current business license

•             GVB vendor registration form

•             Grant application form

•             Latest tax filing

•             Self-certification form

•             Only one application per corporate entity

To apply for the program, applicants can go to guamvisitorsbureau.com, call GVB at 671-646-5278 or visit in-person Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the GVB Norbert R. “Bert” Unpingco Visitor Center and Tumon Office at Governor Joseph Flores Memorial (Ypao Beach) Park.