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Torres reassures that recovery is moving swiftly
‘Marianas remains a safe destination’
Gov. Ralph DLG Torres assures its tourism partnzers that recovery is proceeding steadily and faster than expected, with the accelerated assistance of United States federal and military partners.
“The Marianas remains a safe and fun destination for visitors from all over the world. Our warm island hospitality is internationally known, and our natural environment and water activities are among the top reasons why the Marianas is a preferred destination for everyone near and far. We will continue to make sure that our visitors have an enjoyable and safe experience,” Torres said.
Immediately after Super Typhoon Yutu’s landfall, Torres, the Marianas Visitors Authority, the Commonwealth Ports Authority, the Hotel Association of the Northern Mariana Islands, and other industry partners met to talk about market needs and resiliency for the future.
“It was a very productive meeting of all tourism stakeholders. We are very committed to making sure the Marianas continues to be our region’s preferred destination,” MVA managing director Christopher A. Concepcion said.
Major hotels have continued to operate smoothly throughout the recovery period under independent power and water systems, but most of them are now back on the power grid. Most of the central Garapan tourist district is back on regular power, with stores and businesses back on normal operations.
Over the last month, the CNMI government, in coordination with the Commonwealth Utilities Corp., the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and other federal agencies, has restored more than 50 percent of power and more than 80 percent of water production on Saipan. Tinian water production is at 100 percent. Large portions of Tinian will be energized by Christmas.
While debris-clearing continues, major tourist sites are open and continue to receive visitors each day, including Banzai Cliff, the Grotto, Suicide Cliff, Bird Island Lookout, and Last Command Post. Managaha is open, and beaches are all fully open. Water sports and most land tours have also resumed.
The Francisco C. Ada/Saipan International Airport is open for daytime and nighttime operations and on the power grid. The Tinian International Airport is on a FEMA generator.
The Commonwealth Health Center continues to offer full services.
The Marianas is rapidly recovering and back in business to receive tourists from its key source markets of Japan, Korea, China, and around the world. (PR)
