Gov. Benigno R. Fitial’s proposed amendment to Public Law 17-29 is now on the desk of Camacho who told Variety yesterday that he will introduce it as soon as the House of Representatives convenes after the Holy Week.
In an interview yesterday, Camacho, Ind.-Saipan, explained that due to the tragedy in the Japan, the CNMI has to look for a wider tourism market which includes other Asian countries.
In order to reach out to the other potential tourists, Camacho said an extra amount of effort has to be exerted. He noted that promoting the CNMI has focused mainly on Japan
P.L. 17-29, or the Japan Air Service Stabilization Program, gives tour agents a $100 “incentive” for every Japanese tourist brought in to the CNMI.
This aims to cushion the CNMI from the impact of the “death valley” period which starts this month, where there will be no arrivals from Japan, the CNMI’s main tourism market,
Because the recent disaster that hit Japan is expected to prolong this period, Camacho said the CNMI has to turn to other Asian countries like South Korea, Taiwan and China.
The administration’s proposed visitor fee, Camacho said, will “open” the CNMI to these countries by providing additional funds for promotions.
Once the proposal passes the Legislature, the incentive program will be known as the Tourism Air Service Stabilization Program and will include any other city in Southeast Asia other than Osaka and Nagoya.
The $15 visitor fee will go to a Tourism Promotion Revolving Fund, Camacho said.
The imposition of the fee, according to the proposed amendment, will “promote travel to the CNMI and recover costs incurred for enforcement of customs and quarantine laws.”
