As the state of the tourism market changes on-island, University of Guam students and high school seniors are asked to consider next year’s Center for Island Sustainability (CIS) Conference Contest Topic: China Ready. Guam Ready?

The 7^th Regional Conference on Island Sustainability hosted by the Center for Island Sustainability will be held April 11 to 15, 2016.

Last year’s topic—Too Million, Too Many?—questioned how having 2 million tourists come to Guam by 2020 would affect the economy, environment, and more, said the President of Ada’s Trust and Investment, Inc. Sonny Ada, who’s company has been a long-time conference sponsor.

“The overall answer from students was that 2 million might not be too many, but it might be too fast,” he said.

First place in the written essay contest was awarded to senior finance and economics major Huy Tran. Freshman biology major Marcel Jardeleza won first place in the video essay.

Ada said this year, the question is more specific and asks students to think about current events on island and the effect a China visa waiver has had on Guam’s regional neighbors.

“What can we expect, what do students see ahead, how would it affect the economy, tourism infrastructure, and quality of life?” Ada asked. “It’s a broad question, and regional neighbors might have a different view on the topic.”

Ada said that he hopes students look deeper into the topic and really look at all the effects of a growing tourism market.

“When you think deeper, you understand that you have to look at the other sides of the topic,” he said. “There is no right or wrong, but there’s other sides that I hope students think about more.”

Ada said that because of the addition of two sponsors—Bank of Guam and Docomo Pacific—the video essay also opened up to high school seniors. The written essay is open to all registered University of Guam students.

Prizes

1. Video Essay 1^st place winner – $1,000.00
2. Video Essay 2^nd place winner – $500.00
3. Written Essay 1^st place winner – $500.00
4. Written Essay 2^nd place winner – $250.00
   
   High School Video Essay

• 1st place winner - $1,000.00
• 2nd place winner - $500.00

All entries must be submitted to the CIS office by 4 p.m. on March 18, 2016. Click here for more information on rules and entries.

Winning essays will be presented at the 7^th Regional Conference on Island Sustainability April 11-15 hosted by UOG’s Center for Island Sustainability.