Kim, the president of Laolao Bay Golf & Resort, has been with the airline and tourism business for 25 years. He said hotels in the CNMI need to meet the demands of “high-end” tourists.
He said there should be additional facilities that will cater to wider range of Asian tourists.
He noted that the CNMI is just a few hours flight from three major markets for casino gambling: Japan, China and Korea.
He said these countries are among the biggest gambling markets in the world.
In Korea alone, he said there is a growing market for casino gambling.
But he said tourists don’t like old hotel rooms.
Administration officials, lawmakers and community members expressed support for Kim’s nomination during the public hearing in the Senate chamber yesterday.
Kim said he knows how to promote the CNMI.
“I believe that if we work hard and study hard, nothing is impossible,” he added, referring to the current efforts to revive the local tourism industry.
The chairman of the Senate Committee on Executive Appointments and Government Investigation, Sen. Frank Q. Cruz, R-Tinian, asked Kim if the CNMI should start promoting cultural heritage tourism.
Kim said the beauty of the islands are enough to entice tourists, but only if needed infrastructure is in place and the safety of tourists are guaranteed.
The CNMI’s all-year tropical weather is a valuable asset and that is why it is considered a family-oriented destination, Kim said.
Another potential that he sees is edu-tourism. He said there are so many students in Korea who want to learn English, and the CNMI should be the best destination for them.
House Minority Leader Joseph P. Deleon Guerrero, R-Saipan, expressed support for Kim’s nomination, saying he was instrumental for increasing the flights from Korea back in 2008 when he worked with Asiana Airlines.
Kim also warned the CNMI government to be careful when dealing with supposed investors from Korea, Deleon Guerrero added.
MVA Board Chairwoman Maryanne Aldan-Pierce said Kim’s contributions to the local tourism industry are still being felt today.
“He is very passionate about the islands,” Pierce said.
Tan Holdings president Jerry Tan said Kim’s vision is to double tourist arrivals from Korea.
Department of Public Safety Commissioner Ray C. Mafnas said he knows Kim well, adding that the hotel executive loves the commonwealth.
Senate Floor Leader Pete P. Reyes, R-Saipan, and Sen. Henry H. San Nicolas, Covenant-Saipan, also expressed their support for Kim’s confirmation.
“We all know you’re desire to help enhance CNMI tourism,” Reyes said.
San Nicolas, for his aprt, lauded Gov. Benigno R. Fitial and Lt. Gov. Eloy S. Inos for nominating Kim.
