by Jolene Toves

Guam - Guam has always been an ideal travel location for Japanese tourists only four hours away our friendly culture, bright skies and beautiful beaches make the island a safe haven for tourist to get away from the stresses of daily life. However after last night's horrific events in Tumon, the effects are rippling throughout the tourism industry.

David Kim is visiting Guam from Korea and witnessed police responding to the incident. "But then to hear about what had actually happened, we were just thinking, 'Wow, we had just been in this ABC Store a couple hours earlier' and here with our parents as well and just worried if we had been here a little bit later then possibly we could have been run over, as well."

Guam Visitors Bureau board chairperson Mark Baldyga spoke to media during an early morning press conference at the Guam Police Department's Tumon-Tamuning Precinct to reassure the island and tourists that Guam is safe. "GVB is doing everything that we can," he promised. "We are with the families at the hospital providing translation services and doing everything we can for the families. It's particularly hard-hitting because Guam is well-known as perhaps the safest destination in the entire region, which is one of our strengths as a destination as a U.S. territory."

Governor Eddie Calvo was also at the press conference, which occurred just after 1am Wednesday. "We all know living on this island that something like this is an anomaly. And for it to strike at home, again, it is hurtful," he announced. "I have given my assurances and I have talked to representatives of the Consulate of Japan that we will do all that we can to assist those that have been injured, as well as the families that have unfortunately been murdered. We will do everything we can do to assist in whatever this administration has the powers to do."

An emergency GVB board meeting was held at 8 o'clock this morning, and according to general manager Karl Pangelinan, his agency is focusing on the families. "We are dealing with people and the heartache that have been experiencing, and so really that's going to be our focus today and the next few days. At some point we will address what the impact are going to be from a business perspective - but trust me, that's the furthest from our minds," he stated.

As our island is picking up the pieces of last night's tragedy, the impact it has made on our island is evident. Reports have been made that Japanese tourists are canceling their travel plans out of fear.

To allay their concerns, GPD will be increasing their patrols throughout Tumon. GVB is also already in the process of installing and upgraded security camera system that will provide even further digital coverage through Tumon via a web-based camera system. GVB maintains the safety of visitors and the local community is a top priority and they will continue to provide one of the safest visitor destinations in the world.