38,701 of 82,500 available room nights sold in June, compared to 49,728 of 85,170 of available room nights sold over the same period last year. Room rates dipped slightly from $92.18 last year to $87.05 in June 2009.
“Bookings from Japan and Korea continue to be negatively influenced by H1N1 flu,” said HANMI Vice Chair Nick Nishikawa.
“In addition, there were fewer air seats from China in June 2009 due to suspension of flights. This again points to the fragile nature of tourism in the Northern Marianas.”
HANMI also noted that the decline in the Russian market was due in part to both the country’s economic downturn and the presumption that immigration would be federalized on June 1, requiring Russians to obtain a U.S. visa to visit the Northern Marianas (federalization has been moved to November 28, 2009).
So far this year, hotel occupancy is at an average 62 percent, compared to 64 percent over the same period last year.
The Hotel Association of the Northern Mariana Islands was established in 1985 as a professional forum for the hospitality industry of th e CNMI.
Open call audition for traditional Chamorro and Carolinian dance group
(CCAC) — The Commonwealth Council for Arts and Culture under the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs is pleased to announce to all interested traditional Chamorro and Carolinian dance group to audition for the upcoming 22nd Guam Micronesian Island Fair every Thursday of August at the Garapan Street Market.
The purpose of this audition is to select the group that will showcase the pride and the culture of our CNMI people most especially the Chamorro and Carolinian alike.
The groups that are selected to represent the CNMI will be participating for the 22nd Guam Micronesian Island Fair on Oct. 16-18, at the Ypao Beach Park on Guam.
All interested traditional Chamorro and Carolinian dance group are encouraged to register at the Arts Council office located in Capital Hill next to the post office starting July 27 – Aug. 3, from 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. no later than these dates mentioned.
For more information, please feel free to contact Lucille T. Ayuyu or George S. Fitial at (670) 322-9982/83 or 664-2576.
