For the Guam Visitors Bureau’s $60 million Tourism Recovery Plan to succeed, there needs to be immediate and aggressive action now, according to Baldyga Group CEO Mark Baldyga.

“I’m sorry, that’s the reality. The reality is if we take aggressive action today, hold our feet to the fire and bleed this effort aggressively, then the second half of next year will be better,” said Baldyga.

Baldyga made that remark during a Q&A session with other private sector stakeholders at the tourism recovery forum on Monday.

He said he has confidence in GVB’s two year recovery plan if it’s ‘executed well.’

“Executed well means strong leadership, smart goals that are adhered to and driven, speed of action and funding. Without those, we’re doomed. But if we have those, I think we have a very good chance,” said Baldyga.

As reported, GVB and industry partners see the big price tag as an investment.

Baldyga re-emphasized the three pillars of that plan are airline incentives, new marketing efforts and destination development.

“There’s a lot to be done and it’s going to take a lot of effort. On a positive note, I can’t say how strongly happy I am that the Governor is here, the Lt. Governor is here and the senators are here and the industry is here. You can tell by the attendance it’s very important to everybody,” he said.

The main consensus: Recovery will take a public-private partnership.

United Airlines Managing Director Sam Shinohara said, “We heard the Governor speak from the heart that she knows we have an issue. She’s committed to giving us the resources or finding a way for us to get this thing done. So I think the best path forward for everybody is that we are talking to each other and engaging in solutions.”

It’s the second Tourism Recovery Forum hosted by the Guam Hotel and Restaurant Association, the Guam Travel and Tourism Association, Japan Guam Travel Association and other industry organizations.

Keynote speakers included GVB, Guam Economic Development Authority and the AB Won Pat International Airport Authority talking about innovative recovery solutions.

“The mission of GEDA is to build a sound and sustainable economy and to improve the quality of life for the people of Guam. That includes supporting all industries, not just new and emerging industries, but industries that have been existing. Tourism has been one of Guam's major industries for the last 50 or so years, so we don't want it to go away. We just want to see it continue to grow and flourish. That's why we're here to offer any kind of assistance we can,” said GEDA CEO and Administrator Melanie Mendiola.