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 heritage — two cultures that have shaped my understanding of community, identity, and the importance of preserving the stories that connect us to place.
As I complete my final years at the University of Guam’s School of Business and Public Administration, I have developed a growing interest in Guam’s tourism industry. Through the courses I have taken, I have gained a deeper appreciation for tourism’s significant role in shaping Guam’s economy, culture, and daily life.
What draws me most to this field is the opportunity to explore how tourism can continue to evolve in ways that benefit both the island and those who visit it. As Guam continues its steady recovery towards pre-pandemic visitor levels, I am especially interested in learning more about sustainable tourism practices and innovative ways to strengthen Guam’s presence in key markets, such as Japan, Korea, and Taiwan.
I believe tourism is strongest when it not only supports local economies, but also fosters genuine understanding of the people and places that make each destination unique.
Through my writing, I hope to share Guam beyond its well-known attractions by highlighting the stories, traditions, and experiences that define life on the island. From cultural festivals to community events and everyday moments that reflect the spirit of Guam, I want to offer readers insight into the activities that are meaningful to local residents while introducing visitors to cultural richness that makes Guam special
As someone with interests in photography, culture, and history, I look forward to contributing stories that reflect Guam through both a local lens and a thoughtful tourism perspective.
This is an opportunity to not only reflect on where the island is today, but to explore where it is headed. I look forward to sharing these perspectives that make Guam’s story worth telling.
Si Yu’os Ma’åse’
