Guam could see fewer visitor arrivals and tax collections than projected next fiscal year after lawmakers only approved $10 million out of an $11.1 million ask to boost air service to the island. 

This according to Guam Visitors Bureau President and Ceo Regine Biscoe Lee who updated the Board of Directors in Thursday's meeting. 

“The difference in arrivals is about 300,000, direct traveler demand at $515 million, and probably the number that everybody was focusing on, $166 million in taxes generated,” said Biscoe Lee. “That difference now looks like $85 million in income taxes generated. I also want to note that while the number in arrivals looks a little bit less, we’re still targeting and pushing very hard to reach that million in arrivals.”

GVB requested $11.1 million in fy2026 to retain new flight routes and keep airplanes landing at the Guam International Airport.  

The 38th Guam Legislature appropriated $10 million in the recently passed budget bill, which is still waiting for the Governor’s action. 

Still, the GVB Board authorized the president to expend the $10 million towards a three prong strategy, what they call co-op marketing, load factor incentives, and turnaround support.