Mary Rhodes promotes tourism recovery strategies at Guam mayors' meeting
September 04, 2025 | Mayor’s Council of Guam, Agencies, Executive , Guam
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The Mayors' Council of Guam convened on September 4, 2025, to discuss critical initiatives aimed at enhancing community engagement and tourism recovery across the island. The meeting highlighted the importance of collaboration among mayors, local businesses, and government agencies to revitalize Guam's tourism sector, which has faced significant challenges in recent years.
A key focus of the meeting was the invitation extended to Mary Rhodes from the Guam Hotel and Restaurant Association (GHRA). Rhodes emphasized the need for equitable distribution of tourism recovery resources among all villages, advocating for a collaborative approach to ensure that every community benefits from tourism initiatives. She proposed a series of workshops designed to equip mayors with the necessary skills to apply for community grants, develop event plans, and navigate regulatory requirements. This initiative aims to empower local leaders to create sustainable events that can attract both residents and tourists.
Rhodes recounted past successes, such as the development of various village festivals, and stressed the importance of revisiting these initiatives to foster community identity and economic growth. She encouraged mayors to identify unique cultural elements within their villages that could be showcased through signature events, thereby enhancing Guam's appeal as a tourist destination.
Additionally, the meeting addressed the need for improved maintenance and promotion of local landmarks. Rhodes proposed a public-private partnership model to engage young entrepreneurs in managing these sites, which could also alleviate some of the maintenance burdens faced by the Department of Parks and Recreation. This approach aims to create a more vibrant and accessible environment for both locals and visitors.
The discussions underscored a collective commitment to revitalizing Guam's tourism industry through strategic partnerships and community-driven initiatives. As the mayors prepare to implement these ideas, the focus will remain on fostering collaboration and ensuring that all villages are included in the recovery efforts. The next steps will involve organizing the proposed workshops and developing a comprehensive calendar of events to promote Guam's diverse cultural offerings to tourists.
A key focus of the meeting was the invitation extended to Mary Rhodes from the Guam Hotel and Restaurant Association (GHRA). Rhodes emphasized the need for equitable distribution of tourism recovery resources among all villages, advocating for a collaborative approach to ensure that every community benefits from tourism initiatives. She proposed a series of workshops designed to equip mayors with the necessary skills to apply for community grants, develop event plans, and navigate regulatory requirements. This initiative aims to empower local leaders to create sustainable events that can attract both residents and tourists.
Rhodes recounted past successes, such as the development of various village festivals, and stressed the importance of revisiting these initiatives to foster community identity and economic growth. She encouraged mayors to identify unique cultural elements within their villages that could be showcased through signature events, thereby enhancing Guam's appeal as a tourist destination.
Additionally, the meeting addressed the need for improved maintenance and promotion of local landmarks. Rhodes proposed a public-private partnership model to engage young entrepreneurs in managing these sites, which could also alleviate some of the maintenance burdens faced by the Department of Parks and Recreation. This approach aims to create a more vibrant and accessible environment for both locals and visitors.
The discussions underscored a collective commitment to revitalizing Guam's tourism industry through strategic partnerships and community-driven initiatives. As the mayors prepare to implement these ideas, the focus will remain on fostering collaboration and ensuring that all villages are included in the recovery efforts. The next steps will involve organizing the proposed workshops and developing a comprehensive calendar of events to promote Guam's diverse cultural offerings to tourists.
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