Japan Universities Expand Global Tourism Education in Guam

Guam hosts Gifu Shotoku Gakuen University & Kyoto University of Foreign Studies.

The Guam Visitors Bureau (GVB) is pleased to announce the successful completion of two independent international programs in Guam conducted by two of Japan’s leading universities. Gifu Shotoko Gakuen University (GSGU) and Kyoto University of Foreign Studies (KUFS) partnered with GVB, University of Guam, and multiple industry partners to host the visiting students and provide hands-on learning experiences, industry seminars and cross-cultural engagement.

The International Tourism & Business Program for Gifu Shotoku Gakuen University (GSGU) was conducted for fifteen (15) students from February 24 – March 1, 2025, at the University of Guam. The Program included an English Learning Class by the English Guam Club, Tourism Marketing Seminar focusing on destination marketing strategies hosted by GVB, How to Work Abroad Seminar by LamLam Tours, Global Career Development by Ernst & Young, and a tour and interactive programs by UOG to understand the academic and business environment in Guam. This is this program’s first year, and GSGU plans to continue annually to develop students’ global tourism and business knowledge.

The Global Tourism & Hospitality Program was conducted from February 16 – March 9, 2025, for fifteen (15) students led by Professor Daisuke Ebina from Kyoto University of Foreign Studies (KUFS). The program included a Tourism Marketing Seminar focusing on destination branding and sustainable tourism strategies by GVB, a Hilton Internship Program where students gained hands-on experience in hotel management and hospitality operations, and an English Adventure Program hosted by UOG. The Program concluded with student group presentations on potential solutions for Guam’s tourism challenges.  Key themes of the presentations included social media collaborations with influencers to boost destination marketing and local cuisine branding strategies. The Global Tourism & Hospitality Program has been successfully running for six years with KUFS, who continues fostering international contributions and engagement with Guam.

GVB President & CEO Régine Biscoe Lee says:

“These programs are vital for our hospitality students and industry on a global scale.”

“The lessons, experiences, and insights are valuable not only to these students, but to all of us as we seek to understand our markets and find new perspectives on travel trends.”

Both Gifu Shotoko Gakuen University and Kyoto University of Foreign Studies are committed to providing practical, globally oriented education, empowering students to make meaningful contributions to the international travel and business industries.

SEEN IN MAIN IMAGE:  Students from Gifu Shotoko Gakuen University visit the Guam Visitors Bureau in Tumon while on island for their International Tourism & Business Program.

Media Contact:  Lisa Bordallo, Public Information Officer, GUAM VISITORS BUREAU, SETBISION BISITAN GUÅHAN, Tumon, Guam, (671) 979-1523, lisa.bordallo@visitguam.org