THE Senate Committees on Resources, Economic Development and Programs, and Federal Relations are seeking an audience with the Marianas Visitor Authority board and management to inquire about the current state of the CNMI’s only industry — tourism.
In their joint letter, the REDP chair, Senate Floor Leader Corina Magofna, and the Federal Relations chair, Sen. Paul A. Manglona, invited MVA acting Board Chair Gloria C. Cavanagh and acting Managing Director Judy C. Torres to a joint committee meeting at 9 a.m. today, Wednesday, in the Senate chamber.
The senators said they are very concerned about the tourism industry and the factors impeding its growth.
They said although the Commonwealth has been fortunate to receive American Rescue Plan Act funds to mitigate the economic devastation caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, "it appears that the CNMI economy and tourism haven't bounced back to pre-pandemic economic numbers.”
The senators said they are also interested in the Chinese tourism market.
“What, if any, federal regulations, laws or policies can assist the CNMI to increase the number of charter flights and grow our Chinese tourism market?” they asked.
