THE Marianas Visitors Authority and the Philippine Consulate General have considered as “significant development” the CNMI government’s recent decision to waive the authorization to board for “restricted” tourists entering the commonwealth.
“This is definitely a positive step toward attracting more tourists from these countries. It will boost our marketing campaigns,” acting MVA Managing Director Vicky I. Benavente said in an interview.
“We welcome this development. Several people especially those in the nursing profession will benefit from this,” Philippine Consul General Julia Heidemann said.
Benavente and Heidemann attended the CNMI Governor’s 1st Consuls General Meeting on Saturday, which focused on labor, immigration and tourism issues.
Gov. Juan N. Babauta, during the conference, said his administration will undertake necessary reforms to make the CNMI “a friendly visitors’ destination.”
Labor and Immigration Secretary Joaquin A. Tenorio, who also attended the conference, said tourists from 65 “restricted countries” no longer need to obtain ATBs.
He said the tourists can get visitors visas which entitle them to stay in the CNMI for at least 30 days.
“They can request for extension and DOLI will evaluate it. Normally a regular tourist does not stay more than one month because he also has work or business to attend back home,” Tenorio said.
For visitors from countries which have consular offices in the CNMI, a tourist visa is not required, he said.
The Philippines is the only country on the restricted list that maintains a consular office on Saipan.
Japan, South Korea and Palau also have consular offices in the CNMI and are not on the list released by the federal government after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
