A delegation from Guam, including GVB Marketing Manager Pilar Laguaña, Marketing Officer II Gina Kono, and the Hafa Adai Show performers led by local entertainers Jesse and Ruby along with a group of cultural dancers, arrived in the Philippines this week to host a Travel Agent Appreciation Reception. The reception was held on Tuesday, March 6 at the Pan Pacific Hotel in Manila.

The reception was held to thank the many travel agents who have supported Guam by promoting the island as a premium destination to travelers from the Philippines. While many travelers come to Guam to visit with family, the efforts of these travel agents is very apparent in the 19 percent increase in arrivals to Guam from the Philippines since 2005. GVB will honor travel agents for their exemplary work in promoting Guam and encourage the agents to continue with their outstanding efforts.

Guam has always enjoyed a special relationship with the Philippines.

In addition to geographical proximity, Filipinos make up 26.3 percent of Guam’s total population, the second largest ethnic group on the island following Guam’s native Chamorros.

Guam and the Philippines share a strong Spanish influence in their respective cultures and over the years, Guam has adopted many of the traditions and values of its Filipino neighbors.

In addition to showing its appreciation to the agents, the GVB also took advantage of the opportunity to share the island’s plans for the coming year, which include the opening of new hotels, facilities, and attractions to further entice visitors from the Philippines. One eagerly awaited newcomer is the Sheraton Laguna Resort, a beautiful five star hotel on the Oka Point in Tamuning, overlooking the spectacular Philippine Sea. The Sheraton Laguna Resort will celebrate its Grand Opening in April 2007.

The opening of new hotels and improvements to existing attractions will give Travel Agents more opportunities to promote Guam to clients and the Guam Visitors Bureau believes recognizing the agents for their previous accomplishments is one small way to show its appreciation for a job well done. (PR)

http://www.saipantribune.com/newsstory.aspx?cat=21&newsID=66424

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