by Nick Delgado

Guam - The Guam Visitors Bureau is working with the U.S. Department of Transportation to bring in more visitors from other destinations. GVB Deputy General Manger Ernie Galito says the military buildup is expected to reduce the number of visitors to the island since Guam will no longer be as isolated as before.

Galito says they are hopeful that more flights coming in from places like Hong Kong, Korea, Beijing and Shanghai will offset the number of visitors the island may lose. "We may lose some there, but we're getting new markets opening up but we really help form the U.S. Government for the China Visa Waiver Program, which is now affordable in the CNMI, get that implemented on Guam and also with the Hanaeda slots to get direct flights from Japan," he said.

GVB stated in We Are Guahan's "Grey Papers" online publication that the buildup will reduce the number of tourists by 10% or about 80,000 visitors.