Marianas Visitors Authority Procurement Officer George Sablan, standing, discusses proposed changes to procurement regulations with the MVA Board of Directors on July 31, 2025, at the MVA office in I Liyan, Saipan.
WITH The Marianas tourism economy stymied by numerous international factors, the Marianas Visitors Authority is updating its procurement regulations to improve its agility in responding to rapidly changing conditions affecting visitor arrivals to The Marianas.
At its meeting on Thursday, July 31, the MVA Board of Directors voted to adopt changes to its procurement regulations that will establish procedures for airlift development and will update sole source procurement.
“MVA needs the tools to both act quickly to market changes and to secure long-term commitment from airlines. Today’s policy changes help us do that,” said MVA Managing Director Jamika R. Taijeron following the board meeting. “Under our current procurement regulations, which are quite restrictive and require lengthy procedures, our hands are often tied when it comes to responding quickly to critical and urgent needs that arise. At this time, due to currency exchange, profitability, and the shortage of aircraft, our airline partners are making decisions about routes and frequencies to The Marianas even as soon as 60 days out, leaving insufficient time for our standard procurement timelines. The new policies will give us a better chance at the negotiating table to keep existing flights in operation and to bring in new ones.”
The approved regulation changes will be published in the CNMI Registry for a public comment period before final adoption in an estimated 90 days.
MVA is finalizing a multi-year recovery plan that will require additional funding investment to stabilize existing air service, attract new airlines, and increase consumer demand with improvements to the visitor experience.
