Guam’s Tourist Attraction Fund showed signs of strong recovery in Fiscal Year 2023, according to a new report from the Office of Public Accountability. 

The fund saw a 66% jump in revenues, climbing to over $30 million—largely fueled by a surge in hotel occupancy tax collections as tourism rebounded post-COVID.

Spending also increased, with $20.9 million directed to the Guam Visitors Bureau and other tourism-related initiatives. Despite challenges, the fund’s balance grew by $500,000, reaching $14.1 million across its accounts.

However, independent auditors from Ernst & Young flagged a material weakness in how GovGuam recorded online HOT revenues, highlighting a need for stronger internal controls.

While FY 2023 closed with encouraging signs of growth, officials noted the long-term impacts of Super Typhoon Mawar continue to delay full recovery. 

Tourism arrivals rose to over 600,000 visitors, but the storm’s damage to hotels and infrastructure is expected to take years to repair.