Guam lawmakers press Visitors Bureau for results after $10 million airline-incentive appropriation; funds not yet received

HAGAT—A, Guam — Lawmakers on the Guam Legislature's oversight committee on Monday pressed the Guam Visitors Bureau and its board to show measurable returns on taxpayer-funded airline incentives and to resolve personnel and governance questions that they said are hampering recovery.

Senator Luhan, chair of the Committee on Transportation, Tourism, Customs, Utilities and Federal and Foreign Affairs, opened the hearing by saying Guam's "tourism industry is fighting for its life," and he told GVB leaders the legislature expects accountability for the $10 million the 2026 budget set aside for airline incentives. "With these investments comes accountability," he said.

GVB President and CEO Regine Bisco Li told the committee the bureau is focusing on measurable outcomes and transparency. "As of 09/26/2025, Guam welcomed 546,227 visitors for calendar year 2025, a 1.8% decrease compared to calendar year '24," she said, and she outlined recent market trends: Korea remains the largest source market (about 47% of arrivals), Japan is rebounding with double-digit growth, Taiwan arrivals have more than doubled, and Philippine Airlines will launch direct Cebu'Guam service Dec. 16.

Why this matters: The committee tied its oversight to the $10 million in FY26 funds earmarked for airline incentives and asked what short- and medium-term returns the legislature should expect. GVB said it will rely on performance-based payouts and third-party verification of flights and manifests and reiterated that airline incentives in FY25 produced additional seat capacity.

What GVB…