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07/22/2025 - The Marianas Visitors Authority estimates that the suspension of the Economic Vitality & Security Travel Authorization Program cost the CNMI $60,000 in Hotel Occupancy Tax revenue. As previously reported, the federal government resumed approving visa requests last week. However, the delayed determination has already impacted tourist arrivals from China.
Marianas Visitors Authority Managing Director Jamika Taijeron shared that figure during MVA’s budget hearing at the legislature yesterday.
“The suspension of the EVS-TAP program showed how quickly things can slip,” she told House lawmakers. “That’s $60,000 less for retirees, mayors, and government services. It’s a reminder that uncertainty has a real cost.”
The news comes as the Hotel Association of the Northern Mariana Islands reported that average occupancy among its 11 member hotels for June 2025 was just 22%, which they said is 54% lower than June 2024.
“The resumption of EVS-TAP is a lifeline for our economy and the people of the commonwealth,” said Seo. “It will take time to rebuild arrivals through Hong Kong – where we had flights before the suspension, not to mention all the other cities in mainland China we had flights from before the pandemic. But EVS-TAP reopens the door to that. We thank Congresswoman Kimberly King-Hinds, local partners, and our federal partners who heard the commonwealth’s pleas for help and reinstated this economic development tool for us,” HANMI Chairman Dennis Seo said in a press release.
At Monday’s MVA budget hearing, Taijeron noted that while there are differing views on where they should market the CNMI, relying on any single market is not sustainable.
“If we want stability, we need diversity, and consistency. That takes commitment and resources,” Taijeron said. “Tourism doesn't rebound on its own. It is a collaborative and intentional process.”
MVA had two specific asks of the legislature: that the full projected Hotel Occupancy Tax be allocated to MVA and that the amount be supplemented with support from the General Fund or other fiscal sources.
She said the HOT alone will not be enough to meet the needs of recovery this year.
Earlier in her opening remarks, Taijeron explained, “Not many people realize that by law, MVA receives only 72.4% of HOT collections. The other 27.6%, which is a very significant amount, goes directly to the Settlement Fund, to our mayors, and to the Department of Finance. That’s why we say, when tourism performs well, everyone sees a share. But when it falters, everyone feels the impact.”
MVA presented three budget scenarios and explained the potential impact for each circumstance.
With a $10,982,137 budget, they said it would help stabilize air service, provide the ability to build demand from existing and new markets, and be the start of economic recovery. With a $6,412,137 budget, they said it would allow for continued seasonal flight suspensions, force them to focus on existing markets and programs with some enhancements, and still have a stagnant economy. Lastly, if MVA is given a minimal budget of $3,584,137, they would expect certain flight suspensions and possible exits, significant reduction in visitors, and economic collapse.
Report by Thomas Manglona II.
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