By Gemma Q. Casas
Variety News Staff

TINIAN — It’s been nearly a decade since Tinian Dynasty Hotel & Casino began its operation here, but it has yet to recoup its investment and continues to struggle as the islands’ tourist arrival rate remains low.
Tom Liu, general manager of Tinian Dynasty, said better air transport service is the key to the tourism industry’s survival, particularly on Tinian.
On April 25, Tinian Dynasty observed its ninth anniversary without fanfare — and with not a lot of people even aware of it.
Liu said the Hong Kong-based investors have no choice but to keep their $150 million, 412-room hotel and casino open.
“What choice do they (the investors) have? As long as we are open, there’s always hope,” he told Variety in an interview.
“There’s always hope but hope doesn’t just happen. There are so many things to be done,” he added.
He said Tinian Dynasty has done its best to independently bring more tourists to the island.
“Transportation is the key thing here. How do the (tourists) get to Tinian from Saipan? We have the ferry and Taga Air but they are still not enough,” said Liu.
“We have problems with the jet fuel cost. The ground service. We want to charter airlines to fly here but there’s no basic infrastructure and facilities,” he added.
The instrument landing system or ILS, which the Tinian legislative delegation wants installed here is a factor that should increase Tinian’s chances of getting more international flights out of China.
Right now, the Tinian community depends on Tinian Dynasty’s ferry that travels between Saipan and Tinian.
Tinian Dynasty has two ferries but only one is available for use.
“We have no back-up,” said Liu, adding that if anything goes wrong with the ferry, not only would Tinian Dynasty be affected but also the people of the island who rely on its service.
Some residents on Tinian prefer to shop on Saipan where goods are cheaper.
“Everything here is so expensive. It’s 30 percent higher,” said Liu.