(MVA) — The Marianas continues to make strong, steady progress in its recovery following Super Typhoon Sinlaku in April, with major tourism facilities reopening, flight resumptions anticipated this month, and community‑led cleanup efforts restoring key visitor areas.
“Every day, our islands are moving forward, and the resilience of our people is at the heart of this recovery,” said Marianas Visitors Authority Acting Managing Director Judy C. Torres. “We are preparing carefully for the phased increase of visitors, and we are grateful to the volunteers, partners, and agencies working tirelessly to clear debris, reopen public spaces, and bring the Marianas back to its natural beauty.”
Anticipated flight resumption
Airlines serving the Marianas have announced resumption dates for regular service to Francisco C. Ada/Saipan International Airport will start this month, allowing MVA and industry partners to plan for an increased reopening of tourism markets:
• Jeju Air from Seoul Incheon, June 20
• Hong Kong Airlines from Hong Kong, anticipated in July, date to be confirmed.
• United Airlines from Tokyo Narita, Aug. 2
• Philippine Airlines, October
United Airlines also provides ongoing daily service from Guam, while STAR Marianas and MACS provide inter-island service.
Major hotels & golf courses open
Several key properties have restored or are restoring essential services and are preparing to welcome more guests as visitor arrivals increase, including Aqua Resort Club, Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan, Kensington Hotel Saipan, Pacific Islands Club Saipan, and Surfrider Resort Hotel. Additional properties are continuing phased recovery, with room availability, amenities, and reopening timelines varying by property. LaoLao Bay Golf Resort has also opened 18 holes at its two-course facility.
Cleanup & restoration efforts
MVA was joined by dozens of volunteers, businesses, and government partners at last week’s Paseo de Marianas area cleanup, helping to restore one of Saipan’s busiest visitor areas through trash pickup, bush cutting, sweeping and more.
“There’s a lot of great work being done to clean up across all the islands, and that’s also an important part of tourism readiness,” said Torres. “As we always say, we’re inviting visitors to our home, and we want to make sure it’s clean. All these efforts improve safety, walkability, and the overall visitor experience. We sincerely thank our local businesses, government partners, community groups, and individuals who are helping with the effort.”
Trail clearing
While many government partners remain focused on restoring populated areas, MVA is moving forward with helping to restore opportunities for visitors to connect with nature. Volunteers and government agencies have already cleared large debris from several locations, especially in the Marpi area of northern Saipan.
In its assessment of popular historic and scenic sites and several hiking trails, VA has found many trails are blocked by fallen trees and debris, such as the trail to Bird Island Beach. The tourism office is evaluating how best to move forward with safely clearing a few key trails used by locals and visitors.
Neighborhood cleanups
While major cleanup progress has been made, piles of household and business debris remain throughout the villages, creating eyesores. MVA encourages the public to organize neighborhood cleanup days and volunteer groups and to report illegal dumping to the appropriate authorities.
“Every household that clears debris, every business that reopens, and every volunteer who shows up makes a real difference for tourism and our economy,” Torres added. “Tourism is everybody’s business, and together we are rebuilding a stronger, more welcoming Marianas.”
Ongoing industry updates are posted at www.mymarianas.com/.
