(MVA) — The Marianas Visitors Authority reports that visitor arrivals to the Marianas totaled 2,171 in May 2026, an 82% decrease compared to 11,960 visitors in May 2025.
The destination was hit by Super Typhoon Sinlaku in mid-April, resulting in the temporary suspension of all international flights, which resumed last weekend.
South Korea
Visitor arrivals from the top source market of South Korea totaled 23 in May 2026 compared to 9,181 arrivals last May. Jeju Air resumed direct Seoul-Saipan flights beginning June 20. MVA is promoting the resumption of Jeju Air’s direct service through media outreach and social media channels. Updates on the recovery and reopening of tourism infrastructure, including hotels, resorts, attractions, and visitor facilities across the Marianas, are also being shared via MVA’s social platforms to reassure travelers and support destination recovery efforts.
Japan
Visitor arrivals from Japan fell 85% to 87 arrivals in May 2026 compared to 573 in May 2025. United Airlines is scheduled to resume its three weekly direct flights from Tokyo Narita to Saipan on August 2. MVA is actively coordinating with major Japanese travel agencies and local tourism partners — including the Japan Saipan Travel Association and Northern Marianas Diving Operators Association — on tourism recovery. The strategy includes targeted travel trade campaigns, regular updates on recovery progress through social media, the distribution of official welcome messages, and proactive media outreach to position the Marianas as a ready and welcoming destination for Japanese travelers and upcoming campaigns.
China
Arrivals from China dropped 90% in May to 18 visitors compared to 183 arrivals a year ago. Hong Kong Airlines will resume Hong Kong-Saipan service on July 12. The Marianas receives most Chinese visitors under the CNMI Economic Vitality & Security Travel Authorization Program, a restricted sub-program of the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program that allows prescreened nationals of the People’s Republic of China to travel to the U.S. destination without a visa under specified conditions. Before the pandemic, China comprised about 44% of visitors to the Marianas, with direct flights from multiple mainland cities. The stability of EVS-TAP is seen by many stakeholders as essential to the full revival of the market.
Other markets
Additional visitor arrivals in May included:
Guam: 705 visitors
United States: 1,104 visitors
Other markets (combined): 234 visitors
The U.S. market increased 57% due to the arrival of rescue and relief workers, utility crews, and representatives from various organizations assisting with post-typhoon response and recovery efforts. Direct service is provided from Guam daily by United Airlines. Philippine Airlines will resume direct flights from Manila in October 2026.
Updates on the destination’s visitor services are available on MVA’s official website at www.mymarianas.com/.
