THE Hotel Association of the Northern Mariana Islands reported 21% average occupancy rate among its 12 member hotels for March 2022, compared to 7.25% average occupancy in March 2021.
A total of 9,655 of 41,093 available room nights sold during March 2022, compared to 2,495 of 34,421 available rooms sold in March 2021. Average room rates were $142.13 compared to $144.08 last March.
“March was another month of movement in the right direction toward recovery of the Marianas tourism economy,” said HANMI Chairman Ivan Quichocho. “Compared to March a year ago, our members report over 7,100 more room nights sold, over 260 more employees back to work, and almost four times more hotel occupancy tax generated. We also need to be aware of all the other taxes and economic activity that hospitality generates.”
Quichocho also serves on the Marianas Visitors Authority board of directors and is the chairman of the CNMI Tourism Resumption Investment Plan or TRIP program.
“Our members know there is a long road still ahead in living with the ‘new normal’ of travel after the pandemic, but at this time we are seeing light on the horizon,” said Quichocho.
“We are looking forward to increasing bookings moving into summer, especially as Korea has eliminated quarantine for inbound travelers to Korea, making it easier for their residents to travel. Also, the MVA’s Japan TRIP Plan Ad-hoc Committee is working very hard and targeting Summer 2022 for the return of Japanese tourists.”
Hotels included in HANMI’s monthly statistical report are Aqua Resort Club, Aquarius Beach Tower, Century Hotel, GrandVrio Resort Saipan, Fiesta Resort & Spa, Hyatt Regency Saipan, Kanoa Resort Saipan, Kensington Hotel Saipan, LaoLao Bay Golf & Resort, Saipan World Resort, Surfrider Resort Hotel, and Pacific Islands Club Saipan.
The occupancy rates do not include venue rentals at Kanoa Resort Saipan for government Covid-19 quarantine accommodations.
The Hotel Association of the Northern Mariana Islands was established in 1985 as a professional forum for the hospitality industry of the Marianas. HANMI also makes regular charitable donations to support non-profit organizations and tourism-related government projects.
