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Dynasty, Mandarin Air seal deal for charter flights
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Posted on Apr 11 2000
Tinian Dynasty Hotel and Casino will sign today with Mandarin Airlines the charter agreement for a direct service between Taipei and Saipan in a move to boost visitor arrivals on the island.
The delegation led by Hong Kong Overseas Entertainment Inc. chair Michael Kwan and Lt. Gov. Jesus R. Sablan left for Taipei yesterday afternoon.
A group of cultural dancers from the CNMI will perform during the signing ceremony to provide the Taiwanese a glimpse of the island’s culture.
Mandarin Air will begin its Taipei-Saipan flight twice a week on May 1, 2000 using a B737-800 which can accommodate 158 passengers.
The travel agents from Taiwan will handle the marketing of Monday flight while Tinian Dynasty will take care of the Friday flight schedule.
MVA has been eyeing Taipei as an alternative market for the CNMI which has been dependent on Korea and Japan as the main sources of visitors. While the CNMI has been getting visitors from Taipei, the number has failed to considerably jump due to lack of direct flight from Taiwan unlike neighboring island Guam.
Other officials who left to witness the signing of the agreement were Tinian Mayor Francisco Borja, Marianas Visitors Authority Managing Director Perry Tenorio, Board Chair Dave M. Sablan, board member Vince Borja, Saipan International Airport General Manager Rino Celis, Tinian Casino Gaming Control Commission Chair Martin DLG San Nicolas.
Negotiations for Mandarin Air to fly to Saipan started three months ago in a move to increase traffic and tourist arrivals to the island-municipality of Tinian.
As a result of this development, MVA may have to increase the promotional budget of the CNMI to Taiwan which has taken a backseat due to limited budget.
“We will definitely put in more money for promotion and work with the travel agents and carrier to promote the whole CNMI in Taiwan,” Mr. Sablan said.
A huge chunk of MVA’s budget has always been earmarked for promotion in Japan in order to get back its lost market share. MVA has even launched Sai-panda mascot in Japan, symbolizing the male visitor who is a repeat visitor in the CNMI, to attract visitors.
