According to the Marianas Visitors Authority, visitor arrivals to the CNMI reached 24,128 last month compared to 31,203 in May 2008.
While the CNMI had more air seats available in May than a year ago from its major markets of Japan and China, the downturn is largely attributed to the impact of H1N1 virus on outbound travel around the globe.
Overall, the fiscal year total to date is 5.04 percent fewer visitors than the same period in 2008.
“The Northern Marianas suffers the effects of less travel worldwide, precipitated by the impact of the H1N1 flu virus which has reduced travel from Japan, Korea, and China to all overseas destinations, including the CNMI,” said MVA Managing Director Perry Tenorio. “In addition, the worldwide economic crisis continues to dampen arrivals from some markets.”
Japan arrivals dropped for the second month in a row, losing 22 percent last month with 12,833 visitors compared to May 2008.
While the buying power of the Japanese yen against the U.S. dollar has improved compared to a year ago, up 8 percent, the country’s deep recession continues.
Japan Journal International reports trade groups and organizations in the Japanese travel industry are seeking help from government ministries and agencies to urge school officials to not overreact to the outbreak of the H1N1 virus in canceling travel.
Arrivals from the primary source market of Korea plummeted by one third, losing 34 percent in May 2009 and registering 6,557 visitors.
The Korean Travel Organization reports the number of total outbound travelers from Korea to all destinations from January to March was down 34 percent compared to the same period last year.
Amid growing fear of the spread of H1N1, according to the travel industry, there have been 15 to 30 percent cancellations to U.S. destinations since the end of April.
On a positive note, Asiana Airlines Busan has announced flight increases to the NMI during the high-demand summer season.
Asiana will resume operation of two additional flights from Busan to the CNMI per week on Wednesdays and Saturdays, from July 15 to Aug 26.
Arrivals from the United States dropped 2 percent to 573 visitors. Losses were also seen from China (1 percent to 1,587), Taiwan (85 percent to 5) and Guam (13 percent to 1,547).
Russia registered 39 percent growth in May to 487 visitors, Philippine arrivals increased 9 percent to 288, and “Other Areas” grew 14 percent to 311.
