By Gemma Q. Casas
Variety News Staff

ROTA is renewing its call on the Marianas Visitors Authority and the Commonwealth Ports Authority to help the island revive its tourism industry.
Sen. Paul A. Manglona, R-Rota, told MVA Chairman Jerry Tan and CPA Executive Director Clyde Norita that there is a shortage of air seats going to Rota which hampers the island’s goal of increasing its tourist arrivals.
“Presently, we have a minimal number of seats into and out of Rota on a daily basis. These numbers are not sufficient if we are going to be successful in enticing tour agents to send us more of their clients,” said Manglona.
He said efforts to increase flight service to Rota must be stepped up.
“In the past MVA and CPA have worked together with our regional carriers in providing incentives to increase capacity into Rota,” said Manglona in a letter to Tan and Norita.
“Regrettably, I feel these efforts have stalled and respectfully ask that this issue be brought back to the table. More support for our local airlines, Cape Air and Freedom Air, is needed if we are going to succeed,” he added.
The senator asked Tan and Norita to make themselves available for a joint meeting with officials of different airlines, hotels and other tourism industry stakeholders, at the Rota Mayor’s Office on Feb. 26.
Manglona said Rota could be marketed as a major eco-tourism destination “if the right synergies are in place.”