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09/17/2025 - Marianas Visitors Authority chair Warren Villagomez confirmed that Hong Kong Airlines will resume charter flights to Saipan in September, a move that could help revive the Commonwealth’s struggling visitor industry.
“We look forward to welcoming visitors from Hong Kong, China, and Taiwan,” Villagomez said during a break in the MVA board meeting last Sept. 16. He added that passengers have already purchased seats on the upcoming flights, though final schedules and frequency are still being worked out.
The MVA board chair said that sales efforts on the initial flight will determine the actual interest in the return of the route and added heard other airlines are also interested in coming to the CNMI, not just Hong Kong Airlines.
Villagomez noted that the federal government’s review of the Electronic Visa System Travel Authorization Program, or EVS-TAP, has recently improved, giving him confidence that entry processing will not deter potential travelers.
Villagomez also addressed concerns over air access from Korea, long the CNMI’s top source market. He rejected suggestions that Guam had “hijacked” flights, but admitted carriers have favored Guam due to stronger demand.
“We’re working closely with Guam and the Korean government, the Korean consul general, to help market CNMI to Korean tourists,” he said.
But he said competition is tough as countries like Malaysia and Vietnam are offering cheaper airfare, and many Koreans are traveling domestically instead.
During the MVA board meeting, MVA managing director Jamika R. Taijeron said visitor arrivals in August fell 41.4% year-on-year to 12,674.
She said fiscal year 2025 arrivals are forecast at 165,000, down 30% from the previous year. Projections for FY 2026 are even lower at 129,000, driven by Jeju Air’s suspension of night flights and T’Way’s planned withdrawal of daily service in March.
While Japan showed a modest 14.9% increase, arrivals from Korea dropped 47.8% and from China 74.4%. U.S. mainland and Guam markets showed some growth.
The downturn has severely affected hotel occupancy tax collections, now projected at $3.2 million—less than half the board-approved $6.5 million and far below the $12.3 million spending authority. MVA expects a shortfall of nearly $3 million this fiscal year, partially offset by interest income, savings, and reimbursements from a $7.5 million Community Development Block Grant.
So far, $3.6 million has been received under the grant, with $1.77 million pending. The funds cover payroll, trade shows, offshore offices, and promotions, but must be used by Dec. 31, 2025.
Asked about the future of signature events such as Hell of the Marianas and the Saipan Marathon, Villagomez said no official decisions had been made but acknowledged challenges.
“Having an event without enough participants is really a losing proposition,” he said. “We’re not holding back on plans. It's evolving, and you know it. There are difficult decisions that are being you know discussed, but again, our efforts are to keep all activities on the calendar because that also is the ROI toward you know bringing back our industry,”
Villagomez urged businesses and residents to remain hopeful despite the challenges.
“The current Apatang-Mendiola administration is putting a lot of force on MVA to carry forward initiatives to regain traction in our industry. It’s hard out there for all the businesses. I feel that there's hope considering the many shortfalls, and we thank those folks who are still striving and keeping doors open, as well as thanking our local community for availing for those services and putting their money in our local businesses that remain open,” he said.
The board also voted to reduce the current Flame Tree TV budget from $36,000 to $12,000 due to the current hardships experienced by the CNMI’s tourism body. Board member Vicky Benavente, however, suggested abrogating the contract altogether, which was tackled in executive session.
Report by Mark Rabago
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