Destination management on the road to recovery was top of mind for the Guam Hotel and Restaurant Association’s General Membership meeting on Thursday.

Key elected officials and agency leaders gave critical updates on short-term tourism recovery efforts.

One issue brought up is the lack of lifeguards at Guam's beaches and even flag warning systems, which is a concern especially after the recent tsunami scare.

“Every time we reach at least up to four, we find out that they flew the nest because the military actually offers $5 more per hour as a starting pay than what we in GovGuam pay,” said Parks and Rec Director Angel Sablan.

Sablan says they only have two lifeguards, though six positions are open.

He's calling for more retention solutions, giving a call to action to the legislature.

“Have mercy on us and help us, because although we have two lifeguards, it’s not enough,” added Sablan.

And while the Tumon Koban was recently reopened, GHRA is also concerned about the sustainability of the Guam Police Department’s beach patrol unit.

Chief Stephen Igancio says for his department, while retention is no longer a concern, recruitment remains a problem.

“Tumon precinct and supporting the safety of our tourists is just one of many many aspects of the Guam Police Department. I have 19 villages to worry about. I got crime in 19 villages. I’ve got to deal with the meth problem that’s out there in our community,” said Ignacio.

And despite various efforts to rebound tourism, they both point to homelessness as a challenge.

“There’s more homeless in Ypao and Matapang than there are tourists,” said Sablan.

“Most recently, somebody was passed out drunk on the sidewalk in front of Crab Daddy in Tumon. Those are the things we have to deal with on a somewhat regular basis around here,” added Ignacio.

On the other hand, Mayors Council Of Guam President Jesse Alig advocates for tourism beyond Tumon, while questioning who has a seat at the table when it comes to recovery decisions.

“Is it truly the lack of resources, or is it the management? Because we can drop a million dollars, but how are you going to utilize the million dollars,” asked Alig.

It’s a concern shared by Speaker Frank Blas Jr. as senators work with a tight budget.

“Once we are able to tackle that, managing the resources, you’ll find that you have the resources,” said Blas.

Meantime, Guam Visitors Bureau President and CEO Regine Biscoe Lee is committed to managing our destination with care, balancing growth with sustainability.

“We’re in a position now where the military buildup is starting to plateau and then in the next few years, start to drop off. We need to have a strong industry to be able to capture that labor force that will be lost and also all the money that we receive from the federal government. We need to be self-sustaining. We need to look at ourselves in the mirror and commit to ourselves. If we believe that tourism is the number one economic driver for Guam, then we need to start acting like it,” said Lee.

Resource management, prioritization, funding and collaboration will be key.

For now, Guam's hospitality industry is moving forward, together.