A Guam delegation led by the Guam Visitors Bureau traveled to Jeju, South Korea, to participate in the 2026 Jeju Olle Walking Festival in an effort to diversify Guam's tourism offerings through the development of Guam Olle, a new walking trail experience.
According to a release from GVB, the 2026 Jeju Olle Walking Festival took place over three days, from Nov. 5 to Nov. 7. The Guam delegation included Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero, GVB board Director and Sinajana Mayor Robert Hofmann, Malesso' Mayor Franklin Champaco and other GVB staff members. They joined more than 10,000 international participants and tourism representatives in celebrating the festival's continued promotion of walking tourism and community-based travel.
"Guam has so much to offer beyond our beaches and resort areas. Our villages, landscapes, history and culture are part of what makes this island special, and walking trails give people another way to experience those things more closely," Leon Guerrero said.
According to GVB, the trip to Jeju builds on ongoing destination development efforts to improve and expand Guam's walking and nature-based tourism experiences. The bureau described the visit as an opportunity to diversify tourism offerings through wellness, outdoor recreation and community-based experiences.
GVB is working with Guåhan Trail Stewards and community members to explore improvements to trail access, safety and stewardship while protecting the natural and cultural significance of the Sella Bay Overlook Trail.
GVB is also working to "strengthen walking experiences in Hagåtña, where pedestrian and heritage trail connections can bring greater attention to the capital's historical and cultural landmarks."
GVB will oversee the development and operations of Guam Olle and is working with Jeju Olle, which has developed a network of 27 routes spanning approximately 437 kilometers around Jeju Island, connecting coastal scenery, forests, villages and local cultural experiences, the release said.
"Developing Guam Olle is about creating more ways for people to experience Guam and connecting tourism with the communities that make our island unique," said GVB President and CEO Régine Biscoe Lee. "Working with the Jeju Olle Foundation gives us an opportunity to learn from a program with years of experience and apply those lessons to something that reflects Guam and our people. We look forward to bringing what we learn in Jeju back home as we continue working toward this next step in Guam's tourism development."
According to GVB, Jeju Olle will provide guidance on route design, branding, trail signage and operational practices. GVB is targeting an official opening of Guam Olle in 2027.
