(Marianas Visitors Authority) — Arrivals to Saipan, Tinian and Rota grew 46% to 19,595 visitors in April 2024, compared to 13,439 visitors received in April 2023. But monthly arrivals were 49% lower compared to pre-pandemic levels of April 2019, when arrivals reached 39,663 visitors.
Visitor arrivals from South Korea registered 14,433 in April, 29% higher than April 2023. Direct flight service is provided to Saipan from Seoul by T’way, Asiana Airlines, and Jeju Air. With MVA’s continued emphasis on the Marianas as a multi-island destination, several travel agencies have stepped up their promotion of Rota and Tinian. My Real Trip has launched travel packages to Rota for 1-night/2-days or 2-nights/3-days, and other travel agencies are also introducing new Tinian products that add value to and expand travel experiences in the Marianas.
Visitor arrivals from Japan registered 542 in April 2024 compared to 479 visitors in April 2023. As the Japanese yen is weaker against most foreign currencies, domestic travel remains a popular choice. Beginning May 7, United Airlines started a new, more convenient flight schedule between Tokyo and Saipan, a move anticipated to help nudge up arrivals from Japan. However, the strong U.S. dollar and weaker Japanese yen and Korean won continue to influence travelers from those countries to choose non-U.S. destinations at this time.
China arrivals in April 2024 reached 1,450 compared to 164 arrivals in April 2023. Prior to the pandemic, China was the second largest source market of visitors to the Marianas with multiple direct flights a week from five cities. Hong Kong Airlines commenced twice weekly direct flights from Hong Kong to Saipan on April 28, 2024, the first direct flights to the Marianas since before the Covid-19 pandemic.
In March, the Marianas also received 986 visitors from Guam, 1,672 visitors from the United States, and a combined 512 visitors from all other markets.
