U-TOP 5-year Managaha contract is now in effect

The Managaha master concession contract awardee, a large tour and travel operator company based in Hong Kong, has executed its contract as master concessionaire of the islet starting October 2019.

A representative for U-TOP Investment (Saipan), Inc. told Saipan Tribune yesterday that their contract agreement with the Department of Public Lands went into effect starting this month.

According to the representative, the company was awarded the contract on June 4, 2019. Working with DPL and the Office of the Attorney General, the company announced yesterday that the contract, which starts October 2019, is now in effect.

Future plans for Managaha, according to the company’s representative, include upgrading and improving facilities and working with cultural non-profit organizations and government agencies.

“Future improvements include refurbishment, upkeep, maintenance of existing facilities, and adoption of thatched roofs for visitor pavilions. Several pavilions are in disrepair since Typhoon Soudelor and Super Typhoon Yutu,” the representative noted, adding that the timeline is an estimated six months, starting from the issuance of the notice-to-proceed on the repairs.

Overall priorities for the company include adopting biodegradable and eco-friendly food packaging for the food court—including cutting down on single-use plastics—and providing guests with reef-safe sunscreen; partnering with environmental organizations and educational institutions on environmental campaigns, monthly beach cleanups, and the adoption of floating classrooms using traditional outrigger canoes; enhancing visitor experience through cultural demonstrations and guided walking tours; and facility upgrades.

“All of these efforts will enhance the guest experience at Managaha, allowing visitors to experience the full beauty of the island while also enjoying the comfort, convenience, and good customer service,” the representative noted. “U-TOP places a premium on protecting the environment and have committed to minimizing any potential negative impacts on the people and environment.”

The terms of the master concession agreement on Managaha will be for a period of five years, with an option to renew for another five years, at the discretion of DPL.

U-TOP was one of two companies that responded to an April 2018 request for proposal from the DPL to operate the Managaha master concession.

Tasi Tours was the previous master concessionaire for Managaha. Since the expiration of their contract with DPL last August 2016, it has been operating the concession on a month-to-month basis. Tasi Tours did not reportedly submit a proposal when the master concession contract came up.