Arrivals make a strong start to fiscal year

Fiscal year 2009 kicked off with strong growth in visitor arrivals to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

Arrivals for the month of October 2008 posted an 8.7 percent increase compared to the same period the previous year. Total visitor arrivals to the CNMI reached 29,611, which is a strong improvement over October 2008 when 27,238 visitors entered the CNMI.

The islands’ biggest market, Japan, registered a double-digit increase of 29 percent compared to October 2007. Arrivals from Japan reached 16,193 visitors in October 2008—3,680 more visitors than the same month in 2007. Increased flight availability contributed to the growth from this market as did successful promotions. In October 2007, there were only two daily flights from Japan to the CNMI. Now, four flights arrive daily in the CNMI from this market. These flights include two from Narita and one each from Osaka and Nagoya. These additional flights have increased total seat inventory from 480 to 844 per week.

Arrivals from Korea also showed growth in October 2008. Records show that 8,715 Korean visitors arrived last month, 8 percent more than in the same month in 2007. Throughout the month of October, the number of flights remained the same compared to October 2007 until Oct. 26 when Asiana Airlines added three more daytime flights from Seoul each week. The addition of these flights by Asiana brings the total to 18 weekly.

Visitor arrivals from Russia continued the momentum of exceptional performance, topping growth in all markets. In October 2008, visitor arrivals brought in 388 visitors, an additional 192 visitors or 102 percent growth for the month compared to October 2007. Although small in numbers, this market contributes upscale visitors who stay for long periods and is a vital component of the CNMI’s tourism industry. The islands will be welcoming a total of three charter flights from Russia in December 2008 and January 2009 with an estimated 450 additional visitors from Vladivostok and Khabarovsk in eastern Russia.

Some 1,970 fewer visitors arrived from China last month compared to October 2007. Arrivals were negatively affected by the decline in number of charter service from China. In October 2007, there were 18 flights versus seven flights in October 2008. The good news is that newly scheduled charter flights by Shanghai Airlines and the resumption of the Guangzhou charter flights later this month provide the indication for a resurgence from this important market.

Perry Tenorio, managing director of MVA, expressed guarded optimism over this development, saying the increase comes against the backdrop of global factors that could impact travel.

“The good news that arrival numbers are on the increase must be tempered with the realization that negative world market adjustments and continued high costs associated with air travel both must be overcome to see continued growth,” Tenorio said.

He reminded everyone to welcome all guests to Saipan, Tinian and Rota like they were family. [B][I](MVA)[/I][/B]