(MVA) — The Marianas Visitors Authority has completed its initial assessment of tourism-related infrastructure following Super Typhoon Sinlaku and is moving forward with a phased approach to recovery.
“Our focus right now is supporting the broader recovery efforts and making sure our community is stable,” said MVA Managing Director Jamika R. Taijeron. “We’ve been through difficult moments before, and each time our islands and our people have come back stronger. That same resilience is what will carry us forward.”
As the islands continue working to restore essential services such as water and electricity, and as repairs to airport navigational aids are underway, MVA is closely monitoring conditions on the ground and preparing for the gradual return of visitors.
“At this time, the priority is ensuring that emergency supplies and personnel can come into the CNMI and be properly accommodated so they can support recovery efforts across the community,” said Taijeron. “Our initial assessments show that many hotels are in the process of restoration, and those that are operational are prioritizing emergency responders. As we begin to see restoration of power and water, along with increased hotel availability and overall readiness, we will be in a position to welcome visitors back.”
MVA’s recovery framework is structured in three phases:
Phase I – Assessment and Stabilization
MVA has conducted an initial review of key tourism assets, including the airport, hotel accommodations, and visitor sites, to understand current conditions. The agency is also restoring its operations across Saipan, Tinian, and Rota while maintaining communication with local and international partners.
Phase II – Communication and Confidence Building
As conditions improve, MVA will provide consistent, transparent updates to industry partners and the traveling public to help restore confidence in the destination. Updates will be shared through official MVA websites in English, Korean, and Japanese, including www.mymarianas.com, which will serve as the primary source for verified information on recovery progress and travel readiness.
Phase III – Measured Reactivation
Once the destination is ready to receive visitors, MVA will begin a phased reactivation of tourism through targeted marketing, trade engagement, and promotional efforts aligned with actual capacity and readiness.
“Tourism plays a critical role in our economy, but recovery has to be done the right way,” added Taijeron. “We will move forward step by step, staying aligned with our partners and focused on long-term stability. When the time is right, we look forward to welcoming visitors back and sharing the strength and spirit of our islands once again, reminding the world what makes the Marianas truly Far From Ordinary.”
