New York Post

Don: It’s going great in Guam

- Yaron Steinbach

President Trump and the governor of Guam are hoping the apocalypti­c threats from North Korea’s can turn into a cash cow for the island — attracting hordes of tourists from around the world.

In a phone conversati­on Friday, Trump joked with the Pacific island’s governor, telling him that “tourism is going to go up tenfold” on the island.

Gov. Eddie Baza Calvo told the former hotel magnate that Guam is “paradise,” and said business is already booming.

“We have 95 percent occupancy and after all this stuff calms down we’re going to have 110 percent occupancy,” he said.

About 2,100 miles from North Korea, Guam is home to 162,000 residents, as well as two US mil- itary installati­ons and 6,000 US troops. Guam has been drawing 1.5 million visitors a year.

Tourists on Friday appeared untroubled by the possible nuclear catastroph­e.

Sun Doojin, who arrived with her husband and 2-year-old daughter from Seoul, South Korea, answered with an emphatic “no” when asked if she feared an attack.

In an editorial, The Guam Daily Post said the spotlight on the island offered an opportunit­y to highlight its attraction­s.

“The beach waters are crystal clear, beaches aren’t overrun, and nature hiking trails are very accessible,” it said. “There are historical sites to see, and different cultures.”

Calvo, in the phone conversa- tion with Trump, gave the president a rousing endorsemen­t.

“I never felt more safe or confident than with you at the helm,’’ Calvo said. “So, with all the criticism going on over there for a guy who’s doing what’s positive, we need a president like you.

“I’m just so thankful. I’m glad you’re holding the helm, sir.’’

Trump reassured Calvo several times that Guam has nothing to worry about.

The president called the US military “incredible, “rock solid’’ and “the best in the world by a factor of five.”

“We’ll see how it all works out, but you’re not going to have a problem.’’

The conversati­on ended with both leaders inviting each other to visit.

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