Global Traveler: What is Guam doing to educate the North American traveler about the destination?

Michael Cruz: Most travelers who reside in North America have some knowledge of Guam from its strategic importance during World War II, but we are aware that the destination is not commonly known due to its great distance [from the U.S. mainland]. WWII veterans, war buffs and now their children are coming to Guam to retrace their past and roots. Our Guam Visitors Bureau participates in several promotions, such as dive expos, in North America that highlight what Guam has to offer. It also invites various travel agents and media representatives to participate in familiarization tours of Guam.

Travelers to Guam are coming to the region, not just to Guam. Chuuk Lagoon is where travelers can see more than 50 Japanese shipwrecks, making this a great spot for divers. The island of Palau is an extremely beautiful island; the blend of modern and traditional living can be seen on the island of Yap. All these destinations combined make for a wellrounded trip.

Guam is a strategic position for our nation in the Pacific, and with the redeployment of 8,000 U.S. Marines from Okinawa to Guam, it has heightened the knowledge of our location. When the U.S. military redeployment is complete, some 40,000 more people will call Guam their home (20,000 military personal, their families and related support groups); that’s an increase in our population of about 25 percent. The military is concerned about the distance and the cost of travel to Guam, as these individuals will want to travel back to the U.S. mainland and will want their friends and family to visit. The trip to Guam has to be affordable, and we are looking at travel service to the region to accomplish this.

Currently, most of our visitors come from Asia because of the close proximity. Of the 1.2 million tourists who visit Guam, 80 to 90 percent come from Japan, with the balance from Korea and other Asian destinations. North America now represents about 2 percent.

GT: What business opportunities does Guam have to offer?

MC: This military move will bring $15 billion to Guam, so there will be a great deal of business opportunities. Plus, 8,000 active-duty Marines will bring significant private and commercial business, not just behind the fence but throughout Guam.

GT: How does the airport expansion affect Guam and travel to the region?

MC: The airport has a significant amount of space for growth and more traffic; this is noticeable when you walk through the terminal. Several development projects over the years have positioned our airport to play an integral role in regional business opportunities.

The Guam airport’s expansion project, along with its air service development program, is quite comprehensive in its approach. More than $150 million in capital improvement projects are ongoing. Most significant of these is the extension of our primary runway from 10,000 feet to 12,000 feet, which would allow for long-range/longhaul flights, making direct flights from the U.S. West Coast possible.

Guam’s Airport is the hub of Micronesia, and certainly the capital improvements, coupled with air service advantages, financial incentives and the anticipated population growth, provide immense opportunities and unique advantages for investors and businesses who want to claim a presence in this dynamic area of the Asia/Pacific region.

GT: Please tell our readers about yourself and career.

MC: I am an Army brat, born in Los Angeles and raised in Guam. I received my Bachelor of Science degree in biology from Walla Walla College in Washington and then graduated from the Loma Linda University School of Medicine in California. I am a veteran of Operation Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom. I co-founded and currently serve as president of the Ayuda Foundation, an organization which assists in the vital health needs of islands throughout the Pacific.