Baekseok University Vice President for Academic Affairs Woo Jin Jung (left) and Guam Visitors Bureau President & CEO Carl T.C. Gutierrez (right) exchange gifts during the MOU signing ceremony on December 7, 2022. ()
University MOUs to strengthen medical tourism & cultural exchange
(Seoul, South Korea) In an effort to enhance cooperation with targeted market segments in South Korea, the Guam Visitors Bureau (GVB) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with CHA University and Baekseok University during its end-of-the-year mission to the country. Under these MOUs, both universities have agreed to strengthen medical tourism, cultural exchange programs, and tourism-related jobs between Guam and Korea.
The first MOU was signed at CHA Medical Group’s premium healthcare center Chaum on December 5 with the GVB delegation led by President & CEO Carl T.C. Gutierrez and the members of CHA University/CHA Medical Group led by CHA University President Kim, Dong Ik. The private university specializes in world-class technology in stem cell, infertility, and reproductive medicine research that is associated with more than 60 partner hospitals. The Bureau also established an MOU with Baekseok University on December 7 that was signed by GVB President Gutierrez and Vice President for Academic Affairs of Baekseok University Woojin Jung. Baekseok University is known for producing the most overseas employment to Guam through the Korean government’s support program known as ‘K-Move’ among universities in Korea.
“The partnerships we have forged with CHA University and Baekseok University are important to the further development of our Korea market. As Guam continues to emerge as a destination for study-abroad programs that cater to students and medical tourism, we are confident these MOUs will give our island a competitive advantage to reach new potential travelers within Korea,” said GVB Director of Global Marketing Nadine Leon Guerrero.
Travel Mart & Year-end event honor partnerships
With Guam’s tourism recovery efforts in Korea progressing well, the Bureau hosted a year-end appreciation event on December 6 at the Conrad Seoul where over 160 participants attended including airline officials, travel agents, tour operators, media, and industry partners. Prior to the main reception, GVB also held a travel mart for Guam businesses to showcase their properties, optional tours, educational facilities and dining establishments. President Gutierrez gave special recognition to Korean airline partners for their committed service to Guam throughout the pandemic.
“Un Dangkulo na si yu’os ma’åse’ to all our partners in Guam and Korea who have supported the revitalization of tourism on Guam. We are here to thank and celebrate each one of them and reignite our partnerships with one another,” said President Gutierrez.
Korea Marketing Committee (KMC) Chairman Ho S. Eun is the first Korean to chair the KMC in GVB’s nearly 60-year history. KMC Chairman Eun began his opening remarks by thanking partners in Guam and Korea for the strong commitment they’ve shown over the past year.
“We are humbled by the great showing here in Seoul by our Guam and Korea partners from all aspects of the industry. We shall continue to forge ahead and make even greater strides in diversifying and growing the Korean market. A special thank you to our dedicated team on the ground led by GVB Country Manager Jay Park and Nextpaper CEO & President Mia Soun,” said Chairman Eun.
The Guam businesses that participated in the travel mart and year-end event include the Baldyga Group, Crowne Plaza Resort Guam, Dusit Beach Resort Guam, Dusit Thani Guam Resort, Fish Eye Marine Park, Guam Community College, Guam USA Caravan Corporation, Hilton Guam Resort & Spa, Hotel Nikko Guam, Hyatt Regency Guam, Leopalace Resort Guam, Lotte Hotel Guam, Onward Beach Resort, Onward Mangilao Golf Club & Talofofo Golf Club, Pacific Islands Club, RIHGA Royal Laguna Guam Resort, Skydive Guam LLC, The BayView, The Capitol Kitchen, The Tsubaki Tower, The Westin Resort Guam, and the University of Guam.
