by Heather Hauswirth

Guam - New Years is always a time to celebrate, and despite the state of the economy, many island residents celebrate by checking into a hotel. Guam Hotel and Restaurant Association President Mary Torre says hotels are mostly booked for New Years, as this time of year is the peak season for tourists and residents alike.

Torre adds that the overall occupancy levels for the month of November are 10% higher this year than they were last year. "Most are booked throughout the year on this particular night because it is such a high travel season for us and with the local and military community they take advantage of the good rates. A lot of hotels have packages for the New Years," she explained.

Hotels are expected to remain at high occupancy levels throughout the next few months in anticipation of an increase in tourists traveling to Guam on charter flights from China as well as from Japan and Korea to celebrate the Lunar New Year.