On shooting resort Investors pledge $25 million investment

In what could be the biggest tourism investment in the Northern Marianas after so many years, a newly-formed business corporation comprised mostly of Korean business players is embarking on its first multi-million dollar project to develop an international shooting resort in the CNMI.

Union Rich Saipan, a development company that’s also planning to build major commercial infrastructures on the islands, is prepared to invest over $25 million for the construction of “shooting resorts,” said its company Chief Executive Officer Se-ung Kim.

Mr. Roman Matsomoto, Union Rich Saipan local representative, said $25 million is only the minimum investment for the proposed shooting ranges to be built on Saipan, Tinian and Rota. He added the total amount for the establishment of the recreational facilities could go up to $45 million.

“This is a very important investment for the CNMI. It will be good for the economy. This is a good opportunity for the people of Saipan since it is also projected to create 100 to 200 new jobs, ” said Mr. Matsomoto during a press briefing yesterday.

The creation of CNMI’s very own international shooting resort, according to Mr. Kim, is eyed to revitalize tourism in the Northern Marianas through shooting competitions and establishing Saipan as a training ground for aspiring shooting professionals.

Furthermore, investors are planning to market the CNMI as a destination for international shooting competitions especially for Korean and Japanese tourists.

“Korean and Japanese people really love to shoot. They are willing to travel to places that offer shooting experiences like Malaysia and other areas,” said visiting shooting expert Woong-Yong Ha, Assistant General Secretary of the Asian University of Sports Federation.

Youths are also expected to benefit from Union Rich Saipan’s multi-million dollar project with the introduction of shooting scholarships for students, according to Mr. Ha.

Mr. Matsomoto added the company would be willing to train CNMI’s youths to become professional shooters for a chance to participate in international shooting competitions such as the Olympics.

“The CNMI could gain recognition if our participants are able to bring home gold or silver medals. They could make CNMI famous. Maybe in four years time after they start training, they can become professionals. And we are willing to train them without any charges,” said Mr. Matsomoto.