PELELIU, Palau — The presence of U.S. Marines in Peleliu since 2022 has significantly boosted the island state’s economy, helping it recover from the economic toll of the COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Dr. Emais Roberts said during a press briefing on May 9.
Tourism, long a vital source of income for Peleliu after its block grant funding, stalled during the pandemic. But the arrival of rotating groups of about 80 U.S. Marines every six months has reinvigorated local businesses, Roberts said.
“Every business on the island has expanded after 2022,” he said, noting that hotels and stores have grown and nearly every resident who wants a job has one. “Those who are unemployed have chosen not to work.”
Local women who sell bento—ready-to-eat meals—report selling out their products each morning, thanks in part to the Marines’ purchases.
Initially housed in tents, the Marines now stay in local accommodations following discussions between Peleliu officials and U.S. military leaders. “I told them that as partners, we should support each other,” Roberts said. “Since then, they’ve used local hotels and services, which has greatly benefited our community.”
Roberts emphasized that the Marines have integrated into local life, participating in community events and providing support to residents. He also clarified that there are no plans for a U.S. military base in Palau. Instead, the military’s presence supports the maintenance and use of joint-use infrastructure, such as the airport, under the terms of the Compact of Free Association.
While military personnel provide a stable economic contribution, Roberts also welcomed the return of tourists. From October 1 through early May, Peleliu hosted 4,190 visitors, most of them day-trippers. Overnight accommodations remain limited, with just 77 rooms available island-wide—often fully booked by the Marines, according to Chief of Staff Shari Nicholas.
She noted that all accommodation businesses are expanding or renovating to meet growing demand.
Peleliu remains one of Palau’s top tourist destinations, second only to Koror, drawing visitors to World War II battle sites and world-renowned dive spots including Peleliu Express, Peleliu Corner, and Peleliu Wall.
As both tourism and military rotations continue to grow, Governor Roberts said the state is optimistic about its economic trajectory and grateful for the partnerships that have supported its recovery.