Passenger growth hits 41%   Guam: Catch the Pacific Arts Festival in May

▲ The 12th Pacific Arts Festival will be held in Guam from May 22 to June 4. (Photo / Provided by Guam Visitors Bureau)

Reported by Chen Rui-zhong, Taipei

Guam, which is about a 3.5-hour flight from Taiwan, has recently seen a continuous increase in the number of Taiwanese visitors thanks to discounted flight schedules, with growth reaching 41.2% in January this year. The Guam Visitors Bureau announced today that the 12th Pacific Arts Festival will take place from May 22 to June 4. Additionally, group travelers and family travelers visiting Guam may also have the chance to receive gifts such as keyboards and backpacks.

In order to promote tourism information in Taiwan, Judith Won Pat, Speaker of the Guam Legislature, led a team from the Guam Visitors Bureau to Taiwan today to share the latest updates about Guam. This includes information on the PATA Asia Pacific Travel Association Summit and the Pacific Arts Festival. Ireas Cook, Chief of the Commercial Section at the American Institute in Taiwan, pointed out that Guam is a highly cost-effective travel destination. Every year at the Taipei International Travel Fair, Guam’s booth, performances, and Miss Guam also leave a deep impression on visitors.

The annual international marathon held in Guam every April saw an increase of 150 participants this year, a rise of 285% compared to last year. In addition to the Pacific Arts Festival this year, the PATA Asia Pacific Travel Association Summit will also be held in Guam in May. During the two-week Pacific Arts Festival, performing artists and traditional culture bearers from 27 Pacific island countries and regions will gather to exchange ideas through the festival. As Taiwan is considered the origin of Austronesian languages, it will also be invited to attend as a special guest.

▲ Judith Won Pat, Speaker of the Guam Legislature (4th from left), participated in promotional activities in Taiwan. (Photo / Taken by reporter Chen Rui-zhong)

Currently, travelers from Taiwan can fly to Guam via airlines such as China Airlines and EVA Air. Travel industry insiders say that China Airlines’ switch to daytime flights is beneficial for travelers planning their itineraries; EVA Air’s Hello Kitty-themed flights offer additional appeal to family travelers and fans, each with their own advantages. The Guam Visitors Bureau also mentioned that groups of more than 15 people participating in designated China Airlines itineraries in March can receive a foldable keyboard worth NT$2,790; those joining designated EVA Air itineraries can receive gifts such as ergonomic school bags, four-person tents, or sleeping bags.