WHEN TO TRAVEL TO GUAM

Location

Climate

Guam is a heavenly destination in the Pacific Ocean. This island offers dream beaches, a rich and varied culture, and numerous activities for visitors.

Low and high season periods

The first thing to consider before travelling to Guam is the tourist season. In fact, there are two main periods on the island:

• Low season June to November: this is the rainy and typhoon season. Rainfall is more frequent and the climate can be unstable, but this also means lower fares and fewer crowds at tourist sites.
• High season From December to May, during the dry season. The climate is milder and sunnier, which attracts more tourists. However, prices are higher and places can be more crowded.

So it's best to choose the period that best suits your expectations in terms of budget, weather and crowds.

Major cultural events

Guam is an island packed with cultural events all year round. Here are the main ones not to be missed during your stay:

Chamorro Arts and Culture Festival

Celebrated every year in March, this festival showcases Chamorro cultureGuam's indigenous people. On the program: traditional dance performances, culinary demonstrations, exhibitions of local crafts and much more. It's the perfect opportunity to discover the customs and history of this fascinating people.

Traditional Boat Festival

Usually held in June, this festival aims to preserve and promote the ancestral know-how of the builders of traditional boats of Guam. During this event, you can watch sailing demonstrations, take part in interactive workshops and admire the magnificent local boats.

Floating Lantern Festival

Inspired by Japanese tradition, the Floating Lantern Festival takes place every September in Tumon Bay. Thousands of illuminated lanterns are then placed on the water, offering a magical and moving tribute to loved ones who have passed away.

Le Mes Chamoru

In March, the island of Guam celebrates Mes Chamoru, or Chamorro Culture Month. During this event, activities and events are organized to showcase Chamorro language, art, dance and customs. It's an excellent opportunity for visitors to learn more about the local culture and take part in workshops and shows.

Public holidays in Guam

In addition to cultural events, it is important to know about public holidays of the island when planning your trip. Some tourist sites and businesses may be closed on these dates:

• January 1st New Year's Day
• February 18 Presidents' Day
• March 26 Discovery Day
• April 22 Easter Monday
• May 27 Memorial Day
• July 4 Independence Day
• August 21 Guam Liberation Day
• September 2 Labor Day
• October 14 Columbus Day
• November 28 Thanksgiving (Thanksgiving Day)
• December 25 : Christmas

Check with tourist offices or local attractions for opening and closing times on public holidays. This way, by taking into account cultural events, public holidays and tourist periods, you'll be able to plan your trip to Guam in the best possible way. Whether you want to enjoy local festivities, discover Chamorro culture or simply relax on a heavenly beach, this Pacific island has everything to seduce travelers in search of the exotic.

Guam, a U.S. territory in the Pacific Ocean, is a favorite destination for many international immigrants and tourists.

Guam immigration statistics

Guam welcomes a growing number of immigrants every year. These people mainly come from neighboring Asian countries, such as the Philippines, China and South Korea. Statistics also show an increase in extra-regional immigrants, notably from the USA and other Western countries.

Immigrant demographics

In terms of the demographics of Guam's immigrants, there is a fairly even split between men and women. Moreover, the majority of immigrants are relatively young, with an average age of around 30.

Reasons for immigration

The main reasons why people choose to immigrate to Guam are job opportunities and the family reunification. Indeed, the territory offers many jobs in tourism, construction and services, attracting both skilled and unskilled foreign labor. Family reunification is also a significant factor, as many extra-regional immigrants have relatives already living in Guam.

Most popular visas in Guam

Due to its geographic location and status as a U.S. territory, Guam's immigration procedures are similar to those in force in the United States. The most commonly requested visa types are as follows:

• B1/B2 visa (tourism or business)
• F1 visa (student)
• H1B visa (specialized worker)
• H2B visa (non-agricultural temporary worker)
• J1 visa (cultural exchange or professional training)
• K1 visa (fiancé(e) of U.S. citizen)
• L1 visa (intra-company transfer)

It should be noted that demand for certain types of visa, such as the H2B visa, has increased considerably in recent years due to Guam's booming economy and growing tourism sector.

International tourism figures for Guam

Tourism is one of the key drivers of Guam's economy, and the territory attracts a large number of international visitors every year. According to data files and available statistics, here are some key trends in Guam's international tourism:

Number of international tourist arrivals

The number of international tourist arrivals to Guam has grown steadily in recent years. In 2019, more than 1.6 million foreign visitors stayed on the island, an increase of nearly 7% over the previous year.

Origin of international tourists

The vast majority of tourists to Guam come from neighboring Asian countries. The main sources of visitors are :

• There South Korea (approximately 45% of total arrivals)
• THE Japan (about 40% of total arrivals)
• THE Philippines (about 5% of total arrivals)
• China (around 4% of total arrivals)

Other important markets include the USA, Taiwan and Russia.

Trends in tourist spending

Spending by international tourists on Guam is also on the rise, with an estimate of over $2 billion in 2019. This sum represents a significant increase on previous years, reflecting the growth of the island's tourism sector.