A win for Saipan and other tourism news

A new schedule for the three weekly United Airlines flights between Tokyo-Narita and the Northern Mariana Islands will begin May 7.

Flights will depart Tokyo-Narita International Airport on Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday at 5:30 p.m. and arrive at Saipan International Airport at 9:55 p.m., departing Saipan on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 11:50 a.m. and arrive in Tokyo at 2:25 p.m.

The Marianas Visitors Authority had formally requested the airline to revise the schedule to help increase visitor arrivals from Japan to the NMI, according to a March 25 release from MVA.

An early evening departure time from Tokyo-Narita is more convenient for most Japanese travelers and especially the family market, which comprises most Japanese visitors to the NMI. In addition, the late morning departure time from Saipan will reduce the number of required hotel nights, reducing travel expenses. This new schedule will also benefit passengers transiting through Tokyo, MVA said in the release.

The NMI received 838 visitors from Japan in February, compared to 605 visitors in February 2023. The number was still 42% lower in January compared to pre-pandemic in 2019.

Direct flights from Hong Kong by Hong Kong Airlines will begin on April 29.

Saipan International Airport courtesy of Wikipedia

In related news, the Hotel Association of the Northern Mariana Islands reported a 45% average occupancy rate among its 12 member hotels for February 2024, a 134% increase compared to 19% average occupancy among 11 hotels in February 2023.

Average room rates were $138.56, compared to $153.47 in February a year ago.

In February 2019 occupancy was at 90.3 %. Average room rates that month were at $190.23.

And also, Palau saw 5753 visitors in February, up from 4,415 in January.

Most arrivals were from China with 47%, followed by USA/Canada at 15%, and Taiwan at 12%. The influx of tourists from Japan has been steadily rising since November, now comprising 11% of total arrivals.

Palau saw 41,227 visitors in 2023, compared to 93,723 in 2019. mbj

Regional colleges evolve, but challenges still remain

Institutions of higher education in Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Palau and the Marshall Islands are reshaping the educational landscape with new programs, expanded facilities, and community-focused initiatives. While some celebrate milestones, others face challenges, highlighting both the promise and the pressures facing higher education in the region.