Korean family surprised in Guam as millionth visitor

TUMON, Guam – Early this morning at 1:50 am, the Guam International Airport Arrivals area was lively with travel and tourism industry partners ready and eager to greet the millionth visitor to Guam fo

TUMON, Guam – Early this morning at 1:50 am, the Guam International Airport Arrivals area was lively with travel and tourism industry partners ready and eager to greet the millionth visitor to Guam for calendar year 2012. Led by Acting Governor Ray Tenorio and joined by Senator Tina Muรฑa Barnes, GVB representatives, GIAA representatives, officials from Korean Airlines, Hana Tour, and the Pacific Islands Club, the delegation welcomed Mr. Hyung Suk Kim, his wife Jae Kyung Kim, and their daughter Da Wool Kim.

Unaware that he was the millionth visitor, the Mr. Kim and his family were surprised and pleased to learn on their entering the arrivals area that they were being honored as the one-millionth visitor to Guam.

โ€œWe’re only at mid-October and we’ve already welcomed our millionth tourist,โ€ Acting Governor Ray Tenorio said, โ€œI hope this is a sign of a record-breaking year in tourism. This industry is strong because of the thousands of men and women who work in every profession of hospitality. Governor Calvo and I thank all the housekeepers, wait staff, flight attendants, cooks, helpers, front desk attendants, supervisors, managers, clerks, entertainers, bartenders, bussers, concierges, HR and marketing professionals, accountants and account clerks, lifeguards, and everyone who keeps the tourism industry going. This milestone is a sign of great things to come.โ€

At the welcoming event, Ms. World Guam, Jeneva Bosko, presented leis to the three visitors, with the delegation following to congratulate the family. Mr. Kim and his family were given the VIP treatment with escorts through the Guam International Airportโ€™s Immigration and Customs Area. They were also presented with a free round-trip ticket back to Guam courtesy of Korean Airlines, limo service from Hana Tour, and an upgraded room from the Pacific Islands Club Guam.

โ€œThis is the first time that the millionth visitor has come from Korea,โ€ GVB General Manager Joann G. Camacho said, โ€œKorea is growing by leaps and bounds and with the addition of Jeju Air as well as the additional service by Korean Airlines from Busan – we will be doubling our current seat capacity from the market. We are happy to welcome Mr. Kim and his family to Guam and wish him a great experience to our island and people.โ€

On average Korean visitors vacation on Guam for five (5) days and spend on average around US$425.00 a day. Preliminary arrivals from Korea for calendar year 2012 show a 14.5% increase over the same period (January 2012 through September 2012) or 127,650.

Mr. Kim and his family will return to Korea on Friday, October 19, 2012.

PHOTO: Mr. Hyung Suk Kim was greeted as the one-millionth visitor to Guam for calendar year 2012. Mr. Kim and his family arrived Tuesday, October 16, 2012 and will be on island until Friday, October 19, 2012.

About the author

Avatar of Linda Hohnholz

Linda Hohnholz

Editor in chief for eTurboNews based in the eTN HQ.

Share to...