By Bryan Manabat
[email protected]
Variety News Staff
THE Marianas Visitors Authority says all tourists currently on Saipan are safe and have been advised to follow official guidance as Super Typhoon Sinlaku moves toward the Commonwealth.
MVA Managing Director Jamika Taijeron said the agency has been in contact with hotels, tour operators and transportation providers to ensure guests receive timely updates and know where to go if conditions worsen.
“We are closely coordinating with our industry partners to make sure all visitors are accounted for and informed,” Taijeron told Variety. “Hotels have activated their emergency procedures, and guests have been advised to remain indoors, follow safety instructions and stay tuned to official government advisories.”
She said no major issues had been reported from hotels or tour operators as of early Monday afternoon.
“Our priority is the safety of everyone on island — residents and visitors alike,” Taijeron said. “We appreciate the cooperation of our tourism partners and the patience of our guests as the CNMI prepares for Sinlaku.”
Variety learned from another source that there were about 500 tourists on island as of Sunday.
Air service to and from Saipan has been suspended for the duration of the typhoon, with all commercial flights canceled beginning Monday afternoon. Airlines notified passengers of cancellations as early as Sunday night, citing expected destructive winds and unsafe operating conditions. Flights will resume only after airport authorities complete post-storm safety assessments and issue clearance for operations.
MVA said it will continue to monitor conditions and provide updates to the tourism sector as the storm nears the Marianas.
Bryan Manabat was a liberal arts student of Northern Marianas College where he also studied criminal justice. He is the recipient of the NMI Humanities Award as an Outstanding Teacher (Non-Classroom) in 2013, and has worked for the CNMI Motheread/Fatheread Literacy Program as lead facilitator.
