CNMI finally gets China’s ADS

The CNMI finally got what it wanted: approved destination status from the People’s Republic of China.

“We’ve got it! This is absolutely great news for the CNMI. It will enhance the tourism industry,” said Gov. Juan N. Babauta in an interview.

The governor disclosed that he received a letter Saturday from PROC’s National Tourism Administration informing him about the granting of the status to the Commonwealth.

“It’s nearly one year after you first wrote to my chairman [He Guanghei]. Now, I am honored to inform you that the State Council [of PROC] has approved to grant the status to your Commonwealth,” said CNTA director-general for marketing and communications department Shen Huirong in a letter to Babauta.

Babauta formally announced the ADS granting in a press conference yesterday, attended by Tinian Dynasty Hotel and Casino chair Michael Kwan and TDHC general manager Tom Liu.

Kwan, who serves as the governor’s economic advisor on China, expressed satisfaction over the news.

“We’re very excited. It’s three years of hard work. Mr. Kwan worked very hard for this,” said Liu in an interview.

He said the granting of ADS now allows the CNMI “to openly advertise” in China.

In anticipation of the status, the Marianas Visitors Authority has already set up three offices in China for CNMI marketing and promotions.

Liu, meantime, said that he expects to see more direct flights between China and Saipan. He said that Beijing-Saipan flights may be added by January 2005.

Currently, there are flights coming from China to the CNMI every week: two flights from Guangzhou and two from Shanghai.

“It may take some time to prepare for the Beijing-Saipan flights. We’re looking at January,” Liu said.

Meantime, Liu said that CNMI government officials would need to go to China by next month for the signing of the necessary agreement relating to the ADS.

Shen, meantime, has sent the draft of the memorandum of understanding on group travels of Chinese tourists to the CNMI.

“I hope you and your government can give your opinion on this MOU so we could conclude and sign this [as soon as possible],” she said in the letter.

Babauta said it is the same MOU that was supposed to be signed during his visit to Beijing early this year.

The MOU signing was held off due to “a brewing politician tension” between the U.S. and China over the U.S. government’s policy requiring foreigners to be photographed and fingerprinted upon entry to the United States.

The MOU was seen as a step toward achieving ADS.

This time, however, the ADS granting came ahead of the MOU signing.

“Although we have the status, we still need to sign the MOU because it will guide the entry of Chinese tourists,” said the governor.

Babauta earlier said that the MOU had already been reviewed and recommended for approval by the Chinese embassy in the United States as well as by the U.S. State Department.

The CNMI’s ADS application was reportedly recommended for approval by CNTA chair He Guanghei, who visited the CNMI in early 2003.

Following his visit, other Chinese delegations also came separately to the CNMI, including China’s consul general and deputy consul general to Los Angeles.

The ADS is a major incentive that guides Chinese tourists when making travel choices. Chinese tourists are able to travel to ADS countries more easily as part of pre-organized tour groups.