BY DANIEL M. PEREZ
Journal Staff
The Guam Hotel and Restaurant Association kicked off the Pacific Hotel and Restaurant Expo 2026 at the Hyatt Regency Guam, with more than 60 vendors, local business leaders, and international trade partners to showcase hospitality innovations and forge commercial connections.
The two-day event, held from Aug. 19 – 20, comes as Guam’s tourism sector navigates its fourth consecutive month of arrival declines, placing heightened focus on industry collaboration, workforce certification, and product diversification.
Organizers reported a sold-out exhibit hall featuring off-island manufacturers, regional distributors, and live culinary demonstrations. To assist local vendors in expanding their market footprint during current economic headwinds, GHRA partnered with the Guam Economic Development Authority and the Western United States Agricultural Trade Association to host Japanese commercial buyers for targeted business matchmaking sessions with Guam Product Seal holders.
"It is our role and responsibility to continue to forge ahead and push forward," said Mary Rhodes, president of the Guam Hotel and Restaurant Association. "We need things like PHARE to continue to take place so we can continue to share ideas, inspire each other, and continue to support one another who continue to contribute to the overall economy."
The trade initiative is structured to establish direct export channels for Guam-manufactured goods into Japan. Melvin Tabilas, manager of the Small Business Division at the Guam Economic Development Authority, noted steady foot traffic and active negotiations between international buyers and local producers during the event’s opening sessions.
"This is part of our ongoing efforts to support our local businesses to expand and grow, both domestically and internationally," Tabilas said.
In addition to commercial networking, the expo will host culinary competitions, product showcases featuring all the vendors and business in attendance and workforce training modules. Attendees received access to cost-free certification courses, including health certificate training with the Department of Public Health and Social Services, CPR and first aid classes through the Guam Fire Department, and responsible alcohol server courses administered by the Guam Community College.
Major food service distributors also leveraged the floor to gauge market demand and test prospective inventory additions. Keith Toy, purchasing manager for Triple J Five Star Wholesale Foods, showcased core supply lines, including Certified Angus Beef, Hormel deli products, and Simplot items, while introducing new sample offerings directly to island operators. "If we have a positive reaction, then we will start bringing it in," Toy said.
For regional hospitality stakeholders, the strategic alignment of workforce development, supplier networking, and cross-border trade matchmaking at PHARE provides a critical buffer against broader economic volatility, establishing a renewed framework to diversify Guam's commercial reach while strengthening core island services and businesses. mbj
Journal Staff
The Guam Hotel and Restaurant Association kicked off the Pacific Hotel and Restaurant Expo 2026 at the Hyatt Regency Guam, with more than 60 vendors, local business leaders, and international trade partners to showcase hospitality innovations and forge commercial connections.
The two-day event, held from Aug. 19 – 20, comes as Guam’s tourism sector navigates its fourth consecutive month of arrival declines, placing heightened focus on industry collaboration, workforce certification, and product diversification.
Organizers reported a sold-out exhibit hall featuring off-island manufacturers, regional distributors, and live culinary demonstrations. To assist local vendors in expanding their market footprint during current economic headwinds, GHRA partnered with the Guam Economic Development Authority and the Western United States Agricultural Trade Association to host Japanese commercial buyers for targeted business matchmaking sessions with Guam Product Seal holders.
"It is our role and responsibility to continue to forge ahead and push forward," said Mary Rhodes, president of the Guam Hotel and Restaurant Association. "We need things like PHARE to continue to take place so we can continue to share ideas, inspire each other, and continue to support one another who continue to contribute to the overall economy."
The trade initiative is structured to establish direct export channels for Guam-manufactured goods into Japan. Melvin Tabilas, manager of the Small Business Division at the Guam Economic Development Authority, noted steady foot traffic and active negotiations between international buyers and local producers during the event’s opening sessions.
"This is part of our ongoing efforts to support our local businesses to expand and grow, both domestically and internationally," Tabilas said.
In addition to commercial networking, the expo will host culinary competitions, product showcases featuring all the vendors and business in attendance and workforce training modules. Attendees received access to cost-free certification courses, including health certificate training with the Department of Public Health and Social Services, CPR and first aid classes through the Guam Fire Department, and responsible alcohol server courses administered by the Guam Community College.
Major food service distributors also leveraged the floor to gauge market demand and test prospective inventory additions. Keith Toy, purchasing manager for Triple J Five Star Wholesale Foods, showcased core supply lines, including Certified Angus Beef, Hormel deli products, and Simplot items, while introducing new sample offerings directly to island operators. "If we have a positive reaction, then we will start bringing it in," Toy said.
For regional hospitality stakeholders, the strategic alignment of workforce development, supplier networking, and cross-border trade matchmaking at PHARE provides a critical buffer against broader economic volatility, establishing a renewed framework to diversify Guam's commercial reach while strengthening core island services and businesses. mbj
