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

Upgraded sports facilities key to sports association’s vision for sports tourism

OLEAI, Saipan — The Northern Marianas Sports Association is banking on upgraded sports facilities — led by continued improvements at the Oleai Sports Complex — to transform the commonwealth into a larger sports tourism destination, attracting more international athletes, competitions and overseas training camps while creating new opportunities for the visitor economy.

MVA bets on sports tourism to drive visitor economy

GARAPAN, Saipan — The Marianas Visitors Authority is doubling down on sports tourism as a key pillar of the commonwealth's visitor economy, saying athletic events not only attract international competitors but also generate hotel stays, restaurant sales, transportation demand, retail spending, and worldwide exposure that benefits businesses across Saipan, Tinian, and Rota.