Guam learns from Hawaii's tourism strategy

by Krystal Paco

Guam - Guam's tourist district could learn a lot from Waikiki's.

Before the Guam Visitors Bureau membership last week, president of the Waikiki Improvement Association Rick Egged spoke on how the island state rejuvenated their declining tourism district by widening sidewalks, providing beach patrol, and adding more water features in addition to recapturing what makes Hawaii such a special destination.

"Our Hawaii culture is what sets Waikiki and Hawaii apart from other destinations and I believe that's an important factor for any destination - to concentrate on those things that make you unique," he said.

GVB has a similar plan to attract 2 million visitors by 2020 which includes diversifying the market, adding hotel rooms, marketing for Chamorro culture, extending the length of visitors' stay and promoting local attractions.