(MVA) — The Marianas Visitors Authority reports that visitor arrivals to Saipan, Tinian, and Rota totaled 15,802 in February 2025, marking a 32% decrease compared to the 23,207 visitors recorded in February 2024.
South Korea remained the largest visitor market, contributing 11,126 arrivals in February 2025 — a 32% drop from the 16,415 visitors in February 2024. The decline was largely attributed to the reduction in available flights, stemming from the December 2024 Jeju Air crash in South Korea, which led to a temporary decrease in operations. Additionally, Asiana Airlines’ cessation of Saipan flights in July 2024, an ongoing aircraft shortage across multiple carriers, and other industry factors contributed to the decline.
Despite these challenges, MVA continues discussions with airline partners to restore and expand air connectivity. In a positive development, Jeju Air has announced it will reinstate eight additional flights from April 30 to May 7 to accommodate peak holiday travel demand.
Visitor arrivals from Japan saw a 21% year-over-year increase, rising to 1,015 in February 2025 from 838 in February 2024. To further stimulate this growth, MVA will host the Marianas Seminar in Tokyo on March 18, engaging key travel trade partners and media representatives.
Arrivals from China reached 1,684 in February 2025, reflecting a 7% increase from the 1,580 visitors recorded in February 2024. The boost can be attributed in part to the Lunar New Year holiday, which occurred in February this year compared to January in 2024.
Before the Covid-19 pandemic, China was the Marianas’ second-largest source market, with multiple direct flights operating under Annex VI of the U.S.-China Air Transport Agreement — an exemption allowing unrestricted flights between China and the Marianas. MVA previously maintained a representative office in China to support these efforts.
Additional visitor arrivals in February 2025 included:
Guam: 824 visitors
United States: 777 visitors
Other Markets (Combined): 376 visitors
Notably, while the Marianas welcomed three cruise ship arrivals in February 2024 with a total of 2,529 visitors, no cruise ships docked in February 2025.
