“Tasi Tours takes yet another bold step despite the current challenges or our economy,” Gov. Benigno R. Fitial, one of the guest speakers, said.
He said the opening of the club, a marine sports business behind the Saipan Grand Hotel, is a testament to the company’s dedication to the commonwealth
“Over the years, Tasi Tours has invested a significant amount toward developments to bolster tourism activity in the CNMI because they believe in the future of our islands,” the governor said.
Kazusuke Fukuju, general manager of Pacific Micronesia Tours Inc., said it is challenging to open a new business when the economy is very difficult.
There are many marine sports operating at Managaha but they don’t offer motorized sports so Tasi Tours has something new to give to tourists there, he said.
“Tourists want excitement on the beach so we decided to open this new business,” he said.
The Coconut Beach Club offers marine jet boat rides, snorkel tours, banana boat rides, parasailing, wakeboarding, kneeboard rides and introduction to diving and special tours.
Aside from marine sports, the Coconut Beach Club also offers VIP rooms, lockers and spacious restrooms with showers for men and women.
In an interview, Edward H. Cho Saipan Grand Hotel general manager, said the presence of the club will certainly help the tourism industry.
“It’s great to have a great tour agency with us. We are very happy,” he said.
Frank Murakami, Tasi Tours & Transportation Inc. general manager, said they have a good partnership with the Saipan Grand Hotel.
The hotel, he added, is popular among young tourists.
He said their facility is an old building of the hotel which they renovated.
David Igitol of Tasi Tours told Variety that the company has been in operation on Saipan for over 34 years now.
He said the Japan Travel Bureau Group, the world’s largest tour company, has included Tasi Tours in its brochures.
Department of Public Lands Secretary Oscar M. Babauta, in his brief remarks, said Tasi Tours has become a prominent business company in the CNMI.
He said Tasi Tours has overcome economic difficulties and has emerged “victorious.”
Its operations at Managaha has helped it become the prime tourist attraction of Saipan, he added.
Jerry Tan, Tan Holdings Corp. chief executive officer and president, said the new investment of Tasi Tours shows its continuing commitment to the tourism industry.
“Based on how they operate on Managaha, I am sure we can expect the same with this new beautiful marine facility,” he said.
Tsutomu Higuchi, Japan’s consul on Saipan, said the new venture of Tasi Tours will help attract more tourists.
“I do wish this new venture the best,” he added.
Fitial applauded Tasi Tours for its new investment and faith in the commonwealth, saying his administration will remain committed to supporting all meaningful investments in the CNMI.
“My administration continues to work toward making it easier for you and all investors to do business in the CNMI,” he said. “This is our solid commitment to the economic revival of our islands.”
