By Moneth G. Deposa
Variety News Staff

SENATOR Paul A. Manglona says the Marianas Visitors Authority should look into the “untrue” and “unfair” facts about the CNMI posted on a Web site.
MVA managing director Perry Tenorio, in an interview yesterday, said that they are already communicating with the concerned individuals.
“We will challenge their facts,” he said, adding that “a protest is not necessary at this time.
In a letter to MVA chairman Jerry Tan, Manglona said the Web site “Noonsite’s” depiction of the CNMI is distressing with Rota singled out as being “difficult to visit.”
Noonsite (www.noonsite.com) claims to be a source of practical information for cruising sailors. It says it gets over a million “hits” a month and provides information that sailors visiting other countries need to know.
Manglona said the site claims that Rota and Tinian can only be used as ports of entry by yachts which have these ports specified on their cruising permits.
“Is this true? I was under the impression that immigration officials were stationed on Rota. If they are not able to clear in visiting yachts, what is the purpose?” said Manglona, R-Rota.
He said if the information is not correct MVA should correct it.
The Web site, he added, also claims that the CNMI is subject to typhoons during most of the year, and that this is why cruising boats rarely sail to the islands.
“How can there be such disparate treatment (between Guam and the CNMI) when we are separated by so few miles?” he said.
“I would recommend that, working in conjunction with (the Commonwealth) Ports Authority, (the Attorney General’s Office) and the governor, MVA put together updated information and present it to Noonsite for posting,” Manglona said.
He said information should mention the completed marina on Saipan, the harbors on Rota as well as access to the Northern Islands.
“I believe that, by taking small steps such as these, like changing the misperceptions that currently exist regarding the CNMI as a travel destination, we will be able to nurture a market of boats traveling to the CNMI from Guam,” Manglona said.
He said he is willing to draft legislation that would exempt pleasure yachts entering the CNMI from the $100 immigration inspection fee.
Manglona said he found the site while doing research in relation to Rota’s effort to promote eco-tourism.
“I have been doing a great deal of thinking about how we can jumpstart efforts to market Rota to highlight our numerous natural wonders,” he said.
(With Gemma Q. Casas)