# International Tourism Research Notes

> Industry focus in Guam and Micronesia


## Posts

- [Education Tourism: How UOG's Global Learning & Engagement Program Connects Students to Guam](https://micronesiabiz.net/education-tourism-guam/): Education tourism in Guam is connecting international students with English learning, CHamoru culture, UOG students and the island's tourism industry through UOG's GLE programs.
- [How Social Media Is Changing The Way The World Sees Guam](https://micronesiabiz.net/social-media-and-tourism-guam/): Social media and tourism are changing how travelers discover Guam, support local businesses, experience its culture, and see the island beyond its beaches.
- [A Welcome That Goes Beyond Words: The Håfa Adai Spirit](https://micronesiabiz.net/hafa-adai-spirit/): Discover the Håfa Adai spirit of Guam and how hospitality, culture, community and connection shape the island's tourism and everyday life. 
- [Local Markets: Experience Guam Through Tasting, Shopping & Connecting](https://micronesiabiz.net/taste-shop-connect-guam-local-markets/): Explore Guam local markets, from Chamorro Village to weekend markets and Tumon Night Market, and discover how they connect culture, community, tourism and local businesses. 
- [Mariana Islands Tourism After Typhoon Bavi: Recovery and Resilience](https://micronesiabiz.net/mariana-islands-tourism-recovery/): Discover how Super Typhoon Bavi impacted Mariana Islands tourism, how communities recovered, and why supporting local businesses helps strengthen the region's visitor economy.
- [Guam's 82nd Liberation Day: A Celebration Rooted in History](https://micronesiabiz.net/guam-liberation-day/): Discover Guam Liberation Day, a celebration honoring history, culture, and community. Learn why this meaningful tradition brings Guam together through remembrance, resilience, and CHamoru pride.
- [Sustainable Tourism On Guam: Protecting Culture and Nature](https://micronesiabiz.net/sustainable-tourism-in-guam/): Discover how sustainable tourism on Guam supports local businesses, protects coral reefs, preserves CHamoru culture, and benefits communities.
- [Where Tradition Meets the Tide: Fishing Charters & Guam's Ocean Heritage](https://micronesiabiz.net/fishing-charters-guam-history-culture/): Discover how fishing charters in Guam connect ancient CHamoru traditions, tourism, local businesses, and maritime culture across generations. 
- [Guam's Community Festivals Keep Island Culture & Connection Alive](https://micronesiabiz.net/guams-community-festivals-keep-culture-alive/): This past weekend, the smell of ripe mangoes, barbecue, and local foods once again filled southern Guam as families, vendors, performers, and visitors gathered for one of the island’s most anticipated annual traditions: the Hågat Mango Festival. Live bands played throughout the afternoon while the crowds moved between food trucks, vendor booths, and family activities. Fresh fruit drinks remained a favorite, especially the mango juice mixes. Local businesses showcased everything from handcrafted jewelry and caricature drawings to specialty items like Blades by Crank. Children were also in attendance, carrying prizes from the carnival-style games while friends and family members stopped to […]
- [Sharing Guam Through Story, Culture, & Connection](https://micronesiabiz.net/sharing-guam-through-story-culture-connection/): Exploring Guam’s evolving tourism landscape through culture, community, and authentic storytelling. Hafa Adai & Mabuhay! My name is Megan Lastimoza, and I am honored to contribute to this blog shaped by Jungmin and Denzyl, who have helped spotlight Guam’s stories. I look forward to adding my own perspective as I explore the island’s evolving tourism landscape. I am entering my senior year at the University of Guam with the intention of gaining a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. I am proud to call Guam my home. Born and raised on the island of Guam, I carry both my Filipino and CHamoru […]
- [The Island That Promised Forever](https://micronesiabiz.net/the-island-that-promised-forever/): On a map, Guam is a speck, a comma in the Pacific sentence. For decades, though, it carried the improbable weight of a destination that promised forever: honeymoons that outshone Hawaii, shopping sprees gilded by tax-free indulgence, and beaches that seemed to bend toward the sky in a perpetual invitation. It was, for a time, enough. But islands, like industries, are fragile organisms. One generation’s miracle is the next generation’s nostalgia. Today, Guam finds itself caught between the faded memory of its heyday and the anxious anticipation of what might come next. The tourists have not disappeared, but they have changed—more […]
- [CHamoru Snacks: A Taste of the Island](https://micronesiabiz.net/chamoru-snacks-a-taste-of-the-island/): On Guam, food is more than sustenance; it is memory, heritage, and community layered into every bite. The island’s CHamoru culinary traditions have long been celebrated through hearty meals shared at fiestas and family gatherings. Yet in recent years, it is not the large platters of red rice or barbecue that are catching global attention, but the smaller, humbler companions of island life: CHamoru snacks. These treats—portable, flavorful, and deeply tied to identity—are beginning to occupy a new role. They are no longer just items for local pantries; they are positioning themselves as cultural exports and souvenir essentials, small enough to […]
- [Guam After the Honeymoon](https://micronesiabiz.net/guam-after-the-honeymoon/): Once upon a time, Guam was known as the honeymoon capital or the island of honeymoons. In the 1970s and 80s, newlyweds from Japan boarded short-haul flights not to Hawaii, but to this western Pacific outpost, a speck on the map that promised romance, leisure, and just enough exoticism. Hotels sprouted on Tumon Bay, and the island’s reputation was sealed: Guam was closer than Hawaii, more affordable than Europe, and dazzling in its simplicity—an ocean view, a palm-lined beach, and the quiet intimacy of a honeymoon escape. By the 1990s, the honeymooners were joined by another force: shoppers. Duty-free stores and […]
- [The Farmer Who Stayed: Hidenobu "George" Takagi](https://micronesiabiz.net/the-farmer-who-stayed-hidenobu-george-takagi/): In the summer of 1967, a young man stepped off a plane on Guam carrying more hope than experience, trailed by seven of his college classmates from Japan. His name was Hidenobu “George” Takagi, and his plan was disarmingly simple: to grow tomatoes. The island, small and lush, seemed ready to provide. The local stores carried little more than spoiled, soft fruit, the kind that collapsed at the touch. Tomatoes would be his beginning. But the island had other ideas. By the time the first crop bore fruit, a bacterial wilt—carried across the hillsides by the roaming carabao—swept through the fields. […]
- [From Sweets to Society: Lessons learned from the 19th ICBEIT in Cebu](https://micronesiabiz.net/from-sweets-to-society-lessons-learned-from-the-19th-icbeit-in-cebu/): When you travel for a conference, you expect to take in new ideas—but what I didn’t expect was to walk away thinking so deeply about sweets, meat pies, and cultural accountability. Earlier this year in March, I had the privilege of attending the 19th International Conference on Business, Economics, and Information Technology (ICBEIT) held in Mactan, Cebu, Philippines. Set against the backdrop of island beauty and warm Filipino hospitality, the event brought together scholars, students, and professionals from around the Asia-Pacific region, all eager to share ideas, challenge assumptions, and explore what’s next in business and culture. And while the conference […]
- [Reimagining Global Competency: Why Japan’s Youth Must Embrace International Mobility](https://micronesiabiz.net/reimagining-global-competency-why-japans-youth-must-embrace-international-mobility/): About This Article This article is based on an in-depth interview with Dr. Bill Shang, a distinguished professor with extensive expertise in international education, tourism, and cultural policy. Born and raised in Tokyo, Dr. Shang pursued higher education in the United States and China, earning a Ph.D. in Chinese history through art from the University of Tokyo. He has served as Dean and Vice President at Tama University and continues to support international tourism development through research, academic exchange, and policy consulting. As globalization accelerates and cross-border collaboration becomes increasingly vital, Japan faces a paradox: while the country welcomes record-breaking inbound […]
- [Friendship Cities and the Future of Transnational Collaboration](https://micronesiabiz.net/friendship-cities-and-the-future-of-transnational-collaboration/): About This Article This article is based on an in-depth interview with Dr. Bill Shang, a Specially Appointed Professor, Research and Development Advisor, and Employment Support Strategy Office Advisor at Tama University in Tokyo, Japan, who has extensive expertise in international education, tourism, and cultural policy. Born and raised in Tokyo, Dr. Shang pursued higher education in the United States and China, earning a Ph.D. in Chinese history through art from the University of Tokyo. He has previously served as Dean and Vice President at Tama University and continues to support international tourism development through research, academic exchange, and policy consulting. […]
- [Overcoming the Language Barrier: A Prerequisite for Equitable Tourism Growth](https://micronesiabiz.net/overcoming-the-language-barrier-a-prerequisite-for-equitable-tourism-growth/): About This Article This article is based on an in-depth interview with Dr. Bill Shang, a Specially Appointed Professor, Research and Development Advisor, and Employment Support Strategy Office Advisor at Tama University in Tokyo, Japan, who has extensive expertise in international education, tourism, and cultural policy. Born and raised in Tokyo, Dr. Shang pursued higher education in the United States and China, earning a Ph.D. in Chinese history through art from the University of Tokyo. He has previously served as Dean and Vice President at Tama University and continues to support international tourism development through research, academic exchange, and policy consulting.. […]
- [Hidden Gems of Japan: Rethinking the Role of Regional Destinations in National Tourism Development](https://micronesiabiz.net/hidden-gems-of-japan-rethinking-the-role-of-regional-destinations-in-national-tourism-development/): About This Article This article is based on an in-depth interview with Dr. Bill Shang, a distinguished professor with extensive expertise in international education, tourism, and cultural policy. Born and raised in Tokyo, Dr. Shang pursued higher education in the United States and China, earning a Ph.D. in Chinese history through art from the University of Tokyo. He has served as Dean and Vice President at Tama University and continues to support international tourism development through research, academic exchange, and policy consulting Japan’s iconic tourist destinations—Kyoto, Tokyo, and Osaka—frequently dominate international travel itineraries. This well-trodden “Golden Route” offers visitors a curated […]
- [From Cocoa to Cosmetics: How Taiwan Turns Tourists into Artisans](https://micronesiabiz.net/from-cocoa-to-cosmetics-how-taiwan-turns-tourists-into-artisans/): This is the last post as part of a 3-part Taiwan Travel Series In an era where travelers crave more than just photos and souvenirs, Taiwan has masterfully redefined agritourism by transforming passive observers into active participants. Gone are the days of simply touring farms—today’s visitors are rolling up their sleeves, harvesting ingredients, and crafting their own gourmet treats and beauty products. This immersive approach not only deepens the connection between consumers and agriculture but also creates unforgettable, Instagrammable moments that travelers are eager to share. From Bean to Bar: Taiwan’s Interactive Chocolate Workshops At the National Pingtung Smart Agriculture Center, cocoa […]
- [From Farm to Table—and Beyond: How Taiwan Turns Agriculture into an Experience](https://micronesiabiz.net/from-farm-to-table-and-beyond-how-taiwan-turns-agriculture-into-an-experience/): This is part 2 of a 3-part Taiwan Travel Series Picture this: You’re standing inside a spotless, glass-walled pork processing plant, watching as high-tech machines prepare cuts of meat with precision—no mystery, just transparency. This isn’t science fiction—it’s Taiwan’s cutting-edge agritourism, where modern facilities and interactive experiences are redefining how consumers connect with agriculture. Nextland: An Innovative “See-Through” Pork Processing Plant At Nextland, Taiwan flipped the script on meat processing. Instead of hiding farms and factories behind closed doors, they built a fully transparent pork production facility where visitors can watch every step—from livestock care to packaging—through glass observation walkways. Farm Visits with a Futuristic Twist Taiwan’s agritourism isn’t just about […]
- [A Fresh Take on Tourism: How Taiwan Blends Tradition with Modern Experiences](https://micronesiabiz.net/a-fresh-take-on-tourism-how-taiwan-blends-tradition-with-modern-experiences/): (This is part 1 of a 3-part Taiwan Travel Series)Imagine walking through a lush orchid garden where vibrant flowers bloom alongside exotic animals, or stepping into a futuristic mushroom farm where age-old techniques meet cutting-edge blue light technology. This isn’t just tourism—it’s immersive cultural experiences, and Taiwan has mastered the art of turning agriculture into entertainment. Recently, a delegation from the University of Guam’s College of Natural & Applied Sciences (CNAS), Asia Pacific Studies Center, and the School of Business and Public Administration (which I was an active part of) embarked on a groundbreaking trip to Taiwan, funded by Jackson Yang Scholarship and the […]
- [The Flavors of CHamoru Culture](https://micronesiabiz.net/the-flavors-of-chamoru-culture/): CHamoru cuisine is more than just food—it’s a celebration of history, culture, and community. Rooted in the island’s traditions and enriched by local ingredients, CHamoru dishes tell the story of Guam through its bold flavors, multicultural cooking techniques, and a strong sense of togetherness. Whether it’s a lively fiesta or a bustling night market, the aromas of sizzling barbecue, freshly made kelaguen, and warm red rice fill the air, inviting everyone to indulge in the island’s culinary heritage. Chamorro Village: A Gateway to CHamoru Cuisine The Guam Visitors Bureau (GVB) has long sought to highlight CHamoru culture, and one of its […]
- [Hafa Adai / Alii / Tirow / Ran Anim / Mogethin / Lenwo/ Kaselehlie/ Iakwe / Greetings!](https://micronesiabiz.net/hafa-adai-alii-tirow-ran-anim-mogethin-lenwo-iakwe-greetings/): Behind the Scenes Look Well, Greetings, Everyone!, I’m Denzyl, and I’m excited to take the reins of this blog from the previous author, Jungmin, who did an incredible job of laying the initial foundations of this blog! I’m 23, born and raised on the beautiful island of Guam, and proudly Palauan. If these two island’s don’t sound familiar to you, they are two of the many islands located in the Micronesia, one of three regions of the Pacific Ocean. I am currently studying Business Administration with an emphasis on Management and a minor in Public Administration at the University of Guam […]
- [The Land of the Rising Sun & Sun Sets: The Economic and Cultural Bonds Driving Tourism](https://micronesiabiz.net/the-land-of-the-rising-sun-sun-sets-the-economic-and-cultural-bonds-driving-tourism/): Guam: Beyond the Beaches – Its Enduring Bond with Japan Guam, a U.S. territory in the Western Pacific, is often seen as a paradise of sun-kissed beaches, vibrant CHamoru culture, and tropical charm. Yet beyond this idyllic image lies a rich, intertwined history with Japan that goes far beyond tourism. This enduring relationship is built on shared history, cultural exchange, economic ties, and even strategic cooperation. The Beginnings of Japanese Tourism to Guam Guam’s modern tourism industry traces its roots to 1952, when local legislation aimed to cultivate a travel sector. However, progress was slow due to post-World War II security […]
- [Introductory Message](https://micronesiabiz.net/introductory/): Hi, everyone ! I’m Jungmin Suh, a senior student at the University of Guam, School of Business and Public Administration, majoring in business administration with a focus on marketing and tourism. My passion for tourism really ignited during a tourism class, where I discovered how fascinating the industry is. Since then, I’ve been diving deeper into tourism, especially Japanese tourism here in Guam, and I’m excited to share my findings with you. I aim to delve deep into the motivations, preferences, and behaviors of Japanese tourists visiting Guam. Historically Japan had been the primary source market for Guam, but after COVID, […]
- [Exploring Agritourism Opportunities in Guam: A Path to Boosting Visitor Numbers and Promoting Local Development](https://micronesiabiz.net/exploring-agritourism-opportunities-in-guam-a-path-to-boosting-visitor-numbers-and-promoting-local-development/): Understanding Agritourism and its Potential in Guam Agritourism, the practice of integrating agricultural activities with tourism, offers a unique and immersive experience for visitors while simultaneously promoting local development. By incorporating farm visits, agricultural demonstrations, and hands-on activities, agritourism provides tourists with an opportunity to engage directly with the local farming culture. This niche form of tourism is particularly relevant for Guam as it seeks to restore and increase visitor numbers in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The primary source markets for tourism in Guam are Korea and Japan. Targeting these groups through agritourism can be a strategic move to […]
- [Sustainable Tourism Development in Micronesia: Balancing Growth and Preservation](https://micronesiabiz.net/sustainable-tourism-development-in-micronesia-balancing-growth-and-preservation/): The Importance of Sustainable Tourism in Micronesia International tourism holds enormous potential for the small island states of Micronesia. As visitors flock to these picturesque locations, the tourism industry has the opportunity to significantly drive economic development. However, with this growth comes a pressing need for sustainable practices to ensure that the environment and cultural heritage are preserved. Environmental and Cultural Preservation Sustainable tourism aims to minimize the negative impacts on the local ecosystems and communities. Micronesia’s natural beauty, including its coral reefs and lush landscapes, and its unique cultural heritage, must be protected from over-tourism and environmental degradation. Sustainable practices […]

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