As Guam moves toward reopening the tourism industry, the security and safety of arriving and departing passengers will be critical. United Airlines and the Guam International Airport Authority conducted facility tours for stakeholders today to showcase that the airport is more than ready to receive travelers.

From the flight over, to the minute you step off the plane, United and the Guam Airport want to reassure passengers that they will do all they can to ensure a COVID-safe trip. As part of the airlines annual safety fair they conducted stakeholder tours of each stage in the process.

Sam Shinohara, United Airlines' managing director of airport operations for Asia-Pacific, told KUAM News, "This year, 2020, is a very different year. And this year we decided as Guam's hometown airline we would dedicate our efforts to promote all of our efforts that we're making and showcasing all of the safety protocols that we're pushing forward here in Guam and across the system in response to COVID-19."

In fact, those who haven't been to the airport since the pandemic began will find many differences in the check-in and arrival procedures, mostly centered on health and social distancing protocols. Maintenance contractors will ensure the cleanliness of all public spaces. Equipment will be wiped down, face shields can be found everywhere, and United has even set up a system where you don't have to touch the screen to check-in.

"We want all travelers to know that we're working together as an industry to make the travel experience safer for everyone who passes through Guam's airport," explained Shinohara.

Airport board of directors chairman Brian Bamba agrees, saying, "We're all coming together to promote the safest and best travel experience for our island," with Guam Visitors Bureau vice president Dr. Gerry Perez adding, "And even though the GVB's mission is to generate arrivals to Guam, at the core of our concern is a safe and hygienic destination. Not so much for the tourists, although obviously they'll benefit from it, but for the people of Guam. That is at the core of our concern."

He says whatever it is that makes the people feel safer about the airport environment, that's what they are working toward.