Travel agents deployed to promote NMI tourism

In a last-ditch effort to help the Commonwealth lure tourists from Taipei, Mandarin Airlines has deployed at least 150 travel agents to increase awareness of Taiwanese travelers about the Northern Marianas as a destination.

Mandarin Airlines Saipan Station Manager Charlie Ling disclosed that the carrier has beefed up efforts in hopes that regular flights between Taipei and Saipan will continue despite revenue losses in the past months.

These travel agents were asked to discuss various travel packages with different agencies in the Asian country who, in return, will be promoting Commonwealth tour packages to Taiwan travelers.

Mr. Ling said results of the promotional program will be submitted to Mandarin Air this month. He added that the airline company has intensified promotions of the CNMI especially after the charter with Tinian Dynasty Hotel & Casino expired in November last year.

For four consecutive months since October, Mandarin Airlines pegged about $12,000 in overall revenue losses.

Mr. Ling said the charter agreement with Tinian Dynasty coughed up 90 percent of the carrier’s operational expenses and since the paid seats were rendered vacant, Mandarin Airlines is faced by almost zero passenger load.

“Things are being worked out right now and we are working very hard to save Saipan flights,” said Mr. Ling in an interview yesterday.

All avenues are being looked into to ensure Mandarin’s continued air transport services between Taipei and Saipan. Mr. Ling said the result of the meeting between CNMI and Taiwan officials, as well as Taipei-based carriers would be difficult to predict.

The CNMI delegation led by Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio left with at least 18 government officials including representatives from the Commonwealth Ports Authority and the Marianas Visitors Authority to discuss business opportunities with Taiwanese investors.

The CNMI delegation is also hoping to discuss possible deployment of additional flights between the Taiwan capital and Saipan with various Taipei-based carriers.

In September last year, Mandarin Airlines revealed major plunge in the number of outbound Taiwanese travelers with only a load factor of 75 percent from 87 percent in August.

Current problems brought about by the expiration of the charter pact with the Tinian Dynasty and the lack of tour promotions on the part of the Commonwealth has triggered more revenue losses. (EGA)