The Guam Visitors Bureau (GVB), in partnership with United Airlines, hosted the Guam Educational Travel Forum 2025 in Tokyo on Aug. 7, drawing over 51 school officials and travel industry professionals. The event brought together 13 tourism industry member organizations, including the University of Guam, to highlight the island’s unique facilities and programs for educational travel. The forum emphasized Guam’s position as a premier destination for student and youth tourism.
The event began with opening remarks and destination updates from GVB’s Japan team, followed by presentations from United Airlines, the University of Guam, and Barefoot Guam. University of Guam presenters included Carlos Taitano, director of Global Learning and Engagement; Tamara Hayashi, program assistant; and Kyle Mandapat, associate director for communications and community engagement. They shared insights on educational travel programs and group travel trends. Barefoot Guam Supervisor Maho Quinene also spoke on cultural exchange experiences.
Keynote addresses were delivered by Professor Noboru Okubo of Nakamura Gakuen International Travel, Hotel, and Bridal College, and Tomomi Oba, associate professor at Tama University. Both shared perspectives from Japanese institutions that have participated in training programs in Guam. The forum concluded with one-on-one tabletop sessions between participants and attendees, fostering discussions for FY2026. The Kashiwa International Relations Association also explored ways to revive homestay and cultural exchange programs through collaboration with Barefoot Guam.
GVB President and CEO Régine Biscoe Lee said the forum has generated growing interest in Guam as an educational destination. “It’s mutually beneficial for all to bring tourism partners, educational groups, and airlines together to provide updates, invigorate the student market, and welcome them to Guam,” Lee said. Building on last year’s successful forums in Nagoya and Osaka, which spurred an increase in inquiries and bookings, GVB plans to continue similar initiatives to attract more school trips, study abroad programs, and cultural exchange tours from Japan.
