More than 100 Guam businesses certified as COVID-compliant through UOG-developed program
More than 100 Guam businesses certified as COVID-compliant through UOG-developed program
More than 100 Guam businesses certified as COVID-compliant through UOG-developed program
7/7/2021
A business window in Guam's tourism district of Tumon displays the Guam Safe Certified
seal.
The Regional Center for Public Policy at the University of Guam’s School of Business & Public Administration has developed
a program to identify Guam establishments that have taken the utmost compliance, care,
and pride in following local government and safety protocols.
RCPP developed the Guam Safe Certification program to support the island’s COVID-19 recovery plan and tourism revival initiative.
It coincides with a similar global program — the World Travel & Tourism Council Safe
Travels stamp program. These programs aim to rebuild confidence among the local community
and visitors as the island reopens for tourism.
The Guam Visitors Bureau serves as the official organization to issue the certification
to local businesses with the assistance of the Department of Public Health & Social
Services.
As of mid-June, more than 100 businesses have received their certification since the
program’s launch on March 15, 2021.
An employee of the Guam restaurant Primo Pizzakaya displays the restaurant’s Guam
Safe Certification and WTTC Safe Travels stamp.
“We, at the university, are fortunate to be able to do our part in Guam’s pandemic
resilience,” said RCPP Director John Rivera. “This program is a great example of collaboration.
The Regional Center for Public Policy, Guam Visitors Bureau, Guam Hotel & Restaurant
Association, and other key members of the private sector all contributed to this effort.”
The more businesses and establishments that get certified, the better it will be for
Guam’s economy in being able to market itself as a COVID-safe destination, said GVB
Vice President Gerry Perez.
The University of Guam is one such certified establishment.
“Being certified means that we, as an organization, are taking personal responsibility
for the health and safety of our entire community as far as COVID-19 is concerned,”
said Norman Analista, UOG’s director of development. “It’s an important way for the
businesses, agencies, and organizations that people know and trust to step up as leaders
and preserve our island’s values of looking out for one another and moving forward
together.”
Certified businesses receive a certificate and the Guam Safe Certified logo to display
for their customers on their businesses, websites, and other channels. The logo serves
as an indicator for tourists, industry workers, and stakeholders of an establishment’s
commitment to COVID-19 safety practices.
“This program is our brand that assures our community and tells the world that Guam
is still here and still a destination to behold. Moving forward, this brand will become
even more important to exemplify safety, confidence, and value,” Rivera said.
Businesses and organizations interested in the program must apply through GVB’s website and go through an approval process. Certification is free of charge and available
to all eligible businesses in Guam that implement health and hygiene protocols as
outlined by the World Travel & Tourism Council.