June 15, 2026 – by yapadmin
The Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) partnered with the Federated States of Micronesia -Yap Visitors Bureau (YVB) to release a comprehensive report based on the International Visitor Survey (IVS). Published under SPTO’s Pacific Tourism Data Initiative, the report offers an in-depth look at the preferences, spending patterns, and experiences of international visitors to the Yap State, providing invaluable insights to guide tourism strategies and enhance visitor satisfaction.
This report, covering the period from January 2025 to December 2025, offers vital data on the preferences, spending habits, and overall experiences of international visitors to FSM Yap. These insights will help both SPTO and YVB tailor their strategies to meet visitor expectations better and enhance the island’s tourism offerings.
Key findings include:
- Visitor Profile: Almost half of the visitors to Yap were from the United States, followed by Guam and other Micronesia Islands, then Asian countries and Europe. The largest age group (31%), among respondents was 18–29 years, while 8% were aged 60 and over, with an overall household income between USD 100,000 and USD 150,000 for international visitors, indicating a relatively affluent visitor profile. The majority travelled with business colleagues, followed by those who travelled with family members, while a smaller proportion travelled with friends or as part of a tour group
- Visitor Characteristics & Preferences: The top three purposes for visiting Yap were business, conference, or meetings (51%), visiting friends or relatives (22%), and holiday or leisure (22%). The average length of stay was 7.6 nights, with 35% of respondents being first-time visitors. Popular activities included cultural tours and events, sightseeing, diving, snorkelling, beach relaxation, and hiking. Visitors also appreciated the unique local culture and warm hospitality.
- Information & Decision Making: Word of mouth (46%) was the most influential source of information for visitors, followed by search engines (38%), and then newspapers or online newspapers (21%). Key factors influencing the decision to travel to Yap included its warm and sunny weather, sense of safety, and quiet, relaxing atmosphere.
- Visitor Spending & Impact: The average prepaid expenditure per person was USD 2,233, while the average local spend per person per day was USD 72. An estimated 40% of this spending returned to the local economy. Expenditures were primarily on accommodation, food and beverages, and activities. Overall, the tourism sector had a significant impact on Yap State, supporting local businesses and generating employment.
- Visitor Satisfaction: Visitor Satisfaction: Visitor satisfaction remained high, with an average rating of 3.6 out of 5. A strong 81% of respondents indicated they would recommend Yap to family and friends, and 72% expressed a strong willingness to return. Visitors frequently praised the friendliness of locals, cleanliness of the island, the diversity of activities and attractions, overall level of service, and the island’s rich culture and history. However, areas identified for improvement included public transport, infrastructure, including Wi-Fi connectivity, and an overall upgrade of the development and quality of activities, cultural tours, entertainment, and the need for updated tourist information.
FSM Yap is among 10 Pacific Island countries —the Cook Islands, Niue, PNG, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Kiribati, Timor Leste, and Samoa under the Pacific Tourism Data Initiative (PTDI) funded by the New Zealand Government. The PTDI is an essential resource for tourism data and regional tourism strategies across the Pacific through its bi-annual International Visitor Survey (IVS), annual Business Confidence Index (BCI), and an annual Community Attitude Survey (CAS) report,
YVB Acting General Manager, Kaivin Wariy, praised the collaboration between SPTO and FSM-Yap, acknowledging the importance of the IVS in shaping the future of FSM-Yap’s tourism sector.
“These reports provide invaluable insights that will allow us to improve the visitor experience and strengthen Yap’s position as a unique tourism destination. We are grateful for SPTO’s continued guidance and support in delivering these surveys,” Mr Wariy said.
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