The Guam Visitors Bureau (GVB) has updated its Fiscal Year 2023 visitor prediction and released its May 2023 preliminary arrivals report in the wake of Typhoon Mawar. The GVB Research & Strategic Planning Division’s analysis demonstrates that pre-COVID recovery was in line with initial estimates of roughly 670K visitors for the fiscal year. But Typhoon Mawar affected arrivals, thus the Bureau had to adjust its initial estimates.

According to historical data, pre-typhoon monthly arrival levels typically recover in six months. Acting President & CEO Gerry Perez stated, “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.” “If previous recoveries serve as a barometer for the industry’s resilience, GVB is optimistic about our island’s coordinated efforts to recover in the upcoming months.”  

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

Reference – Designer, G. W. (2023, June 16). Mawar impacts may arrivals, industry remains resilient. Guam Visitors Bureau. https://www.guamvisitorsbureau.com/mawar-impacts-may-arrivals-industry-remains-resilient