(MVA) — The Marianas welcomed its first international flight on Sunday, June 21, since Super Typhoon Sinlaku in mid-April, marking an important first step forward in revitalizing the visitor industry.
Jeju Air’s first direct flight from Seoul Incheon arrived at Francisco C. Ada/Saipan International Airport, and the airline has committed to operating four flights a week through Oct. 25, with daily flights during peak periods of July 22-Aug. 3 and Sept. 23-Oct. 10.
With international air service returning, the Marianas Visitors Authority emphasized that retaining existing airline partners by improving the destination and increasing interest in what the Marianas offers are critical priorities for increasing visitor arrivals.
“Every seat that arrives in the Marianas is hard‑won. Tourism recovery starts with flights, but its continued success depends on increasing visitor satisfaction when they are here,” said MVA Acting Managing Director Andy Qin. “Retaining the air service we have and offering an incredible visitor experience today are both essential to securing the tourism growth we want tomorrow. As more international flights resume, our collective focus should be on improving the visitor experience to help ensure that the airlines serving our islands see strong, consistent performance and healthy load factors.”
Building momentum
To strengthen travel demand in the aftermath of Sinlaku, MVA is rolling out targeted campaigns in its two largest source markets to support immediate bookings, while rebuilding long‑term destination awareness. In Korea, Jeju Air supported its flight relaunch with a “Family Week” promotion offering discounted rates and special perks for families travelling to Saipan. A combined 13 Marianas products are being sold by Hana Tour, Mode Tour, Yellow Balloon Tour, Verygood Tour, and Naeil Tour for accommodations and activities at Aqua Resort Club Saipan, Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan, Pacific Islands Club Saipan, and LaoLao Bay Golf Resort. Tourism partners are also undertaking their own promotions, including IHG Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan & Guam’s recent “Micronesia Night” held in Seoul to boost summer demand and MBC Union Camp’s “Summer English Camp in Saipan.”
To prepare for the relaunch of Tokyo-Saipan flights by United Airlines on Aug. 2, Japan’s largest travel agency JTB and the MVA have launched an “Enjoy Saipan” campaign to connect visitors with local hotels, restaurants, activity providers, and souvenir shops through special offers.
Hong Kong Airlines will also resume direct flights from Hong Kong on July 12.
With international flights returning, MVA stressed that tourism recovery will also require government agencies, businesses, and individuals all working to provide a positive, meaningful visitor experience.
“While some factors — like rising fuel prices or unfavorable currency exchange are beyond our local control — there is still a lot of improvement we can make together in our destination,” said Qin. “It is important that every sector — public, private, and community — moves in the same direction in allowing our visitors to experience the best of the Marianas and who we are. If your business, office, or organization has experiences, products, and services that connect our visitors to our Far From Ordinary nature, history, culture, and adventure, MVA can help share that info.”
Businesses, nonprofits, sports groups, cultural organizations, and government agencies are encouraged to submit all public events to The Marianas Calendar at www.mymarianas.com/calendar to help visitors plan trips that allow them to connect with the local community. This may include cultural events, tree-planting or environmental activities, community celebrations, sporting events, concerts, lectures or workshops, fundraising events, and more – with either free admission or with a fee.
As visitors are seeking authentic Marianas experiences, services, and products, the MVA is also encouraging the development of:
• tours, classes, and micro‑experiences that can be booked online,
• food, wellness, and nature‑based activities,
• cultural workshops and demonstrations, and
• retail products aligned with Marianas identity.
Qin added that even simple actions — beautification, signage, lighting, and customer service — directly influence visitor satisfaction.
