The Guam Visitors Bureau (GVB), in collaboration with United Airlines and with support from the U.S. Consulate General Osaka-Kobe Commercial Section, held the “Guam Educational Travel Forum 2024” in Nagoya on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, and in Osaka on Thursday, September 19, 2024.
Guam Visitors Bureau and United Airlines Host “Guam Educational Travel Forum 2024
During the forum, presentations were given by professors from Japanese universities who had participated in the “United Summit Pilot Program” and visited Guam in 2023. They shared their insights from visiting various facilities and programs, including the University of Guam (UOG). In addition, the University of Guam team, as guest presenters, participated in the forum. Mr. Carlos Taitano, UOG Director of Global Learning and Engagement, Mr. Kyle Mandapat, Assistant Director for Communications, Center for Island Sustainability, and Dr. Austin Shelton, Director of Center for Island Sustainability, introduced hospitality and SDG-related training programs.
At this event, information was shared by United Airlines and other related organizations under the theme “The Current State of Educational Travel in Guam.” The island offered a wealth of educational resources, making it a treasure trove for learning. Through school and cultural exchanges, as well as language learning, students can actively learn topics such as history, culture, relations with Japan, nature, and SDGs. As tourism is a major industry in Guam, specialized training in tourism and hospitality is also available, making it an ideal destination for educational travel.
The forum concluded with 26 participants from Nagoya (5 Universities and 21 Travel Agents) and 36 members (11 Universities and 24 Travel Agents) from Osaka. Special thanks to the GVB members, guest presenters, and co-sponsors that participated in the forum: The University of Guam, United Airlines, U.S. Consulate General Osaka-Kobe Commercial Section, Leo Palace Resort Guam, Barefoot Guam, Crowne Plaza Resort Guam, Pacific Island Holidays, LLC, Hyatt Regency Guam and Ken Hotels & Resort Holdings Ltd.