AFTER the successful inaugural United Airlines flight from Narita, Japan to Saipan on Sept. 2, Marianas Visitors Authority’s Tourism Resumption Investment Plan or TRIP Chair Ivan Quichocho said their focus is “now to attract travelers from Japan and bring them here.”
“Over 60% of the Japanese population have already received booster shots,” he added. “So that is a huge market for us to immediately tap into.”
On Friday evening, the Office of the Governor, MVA and United Airlines held a reception at the Hyatt to celebrate the resumption of the Japan-Saipan flight service.
In his remarks, United Airlines Managing Director for Japan Toru Takahashi said he will ask the Japanese government to lift the visa requirement for travelers from Saipan who want to visit Japan.
Visa waivers are still in place for Japanese travelers to Saipan, but tourists from Saipan to Japan are still required to get a visa.
Quichocho noted that the Japanese government is also easing its Covid-19 restrictions.
“Polymerase chain reaction or PCR tests are not required before they leave Japan and when they return — provided, they have booster shots,” Quichocho said.
“Right now, MVA’s main focus is to attract those customers and bring them over here,” he reiterated.
“Our pristine beaches, Managaha World War II sites, diving areas, golf courses, and unique Hafadai/Tirow spirit are our main attractions,” Quichocho said.
He said unlike Guam, “most of our CNMI golf courses are on the ocean side.”
“Our main goal,” he added, “is to have at least 460 passengers a week…if we can at least get 80-85% inbound each flight…those are decent loads.”
He said MVA’s partnership with Expedia will promote travel to the CNMI.
United Airlines will fly three weekly flights, departing Tokyo-Narita International Airport at 9:25 p.m. on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday, and arriving on Saipan one day later at 2 a.m. Flights from Saipan will depart on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 7 a.m. and arrive in Narita at 9:35 a.m.
Refaluwasch Warriors perform a traditional dance during a reception at the Hyatt Friday night to celebrate the resumption of the Japan-Saipan flight service.
