Trip to Manila and Japan no junket –– Reyes

Senate Floor Leader Pete P. Reyes yesterday lashed back at criticisms over the recent travels made by several CNMI officials as he sought to clarify the intention of the trips denounced as “junket” by some in the media.

In a privilege speech during the session, the senator defended the trips to Manila and Tokyo as necessary in view of efforts by the Commonwealth to spur the tourism industry and attract more investors.

At least five members of the Aviation Task Force, including Mr. Reyes and two other legislators, flew to Manila last month to hold talks with Air Nauru officials to explore the possibility of establishing a Manila-Palau-Saipan direct service.

Last week, dozens of high-ranking administration officials, led by Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio, Mr. Reyes and three other lawmakers, attended the tourism fair organized by Japan Association of Travel Agents or JATA considered to be the largest gathering of tour operators and travel agencies in that country — NMI’s main source of tourists.

But the trips drew flak from media critics in light of the austerity measures implemented by the current administration and the shaky financial condition of the government.

According to Mr. Reyes, these trips were “essential” as the CNMI has to sell the destination to compete with Guam, Hawaii and other Pacific islands as well as to encourage airlines to bring more tourists here. (See related story on Page 2)

“I don’t need to justify these trips,” he told senators. “They are not going to line up for the CNMI, but we have to go there ourselves and sell the CNMI.”

He maintained JATA required the “high visibility” of key officials, including lawmakers and executive officials, to lure Japanese travelers.

“In order to make money, you have to spend money,” said Mr. Reyes, noting it is still his priority to increase funding for scholarship and medical referral programs.

“We need to put our heads together to encourage more investments into the CNMI,” he explained. “We can only hope, not expect, for fair and unbiased editorial.”

In the meeting in Manila, Mr. Reyes, who was asked by Senate Vice President Thomas P. Villagomez to replace him, pointed out discussions were positive in that merger talks between Air Nauru and a Philippine company are moving ahead.

“We are trying to sell the idea that close to 30,000 Filipinos are living in the CNMI and there is a demand for transportation at affordable price,” he said later in an interview. (Benhur C. Saladores)