Although Russia and China are excluded on the list of countries whose citizens are allowed to enter the Marianas visa free under the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program, Russians and Chinese tourists can visit the commonwealth through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s discretionary parole program.
Bateman said although the number of Russians visiting the CNMI every year is just a small fraction compared to arrivals from Japan and South Korea, they contribute significantly to the local tourism industry because they stay longer.
“It’s growing numerically. And they spend a long time here. It’s not thousands of units that we’re talking about but even in small fluctuations it looks big one way or the other,” he told the Variety.
“There are great things on the horizon for the Russian market. For one thing, Fly Guam is talking about a partnership flight with a Russian airline to bring people from Moscow to Hong Kong and from Hong Kong to Saipan,” he added.
A total of 2,839 Russians visited Saipan during the first six months of this fiscal year — up by 23 percent compared to the same period last year.
Bateman said Fly Guam is not only considering those from Moscow but those from East Russia as well which includes St. Petersburg and Kiev.
Tourists from these areas want to escape the harsh winter season by visiting tropical destinations.
Fly Guam is negotiating with a number of Russian airlines.
“I think there’s a great possibility (to get the deal),” Bateman said.
