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March arrivals show continued plunge
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Posted on Apr 20 2006
In March 2006, the CNMI welcomed 35,768 visitors, posting a decline of 16.27 percent over the 42,719 visitor arrivals in March 2005.
The top market performers in arrivals were led by China (+88 percent), Other Countries (+108 percent), Philippines (+74 percent), United States (+24 percent), and South Korea (+2 percent).
Arrivals from China reached 2,103 visitors, a double-digit growth of 88 percent for the month of March 2006 compared with March 2005. This upward trend is a direct result of the low arrival base recorded in March 2005. From March 5 -19, 2005, all flights from China were suspended due to scheduled aircraft maintenance.
The United States and Other Countries posted increases of 24 percent and 108 percent respectively. The growth was contributed by the arrival of military and cruise ships. or the month of March, USS Chonghoon, a U.S. military ship, came to Saipan, bringing in 343 crew members. Also, MS Delphin Renaissance and The World brought in a total of 515 passengers, mostly from United States and Germany.
After consecutive months of decline, arrivals from the Philippines showed a double-digit growth of 74 percent in March 2006. This growth is the result of joint promotions conducted by Continental Airlines and Marianas Visitors Authority. This promotion includes a discount travel package to the CNMI, which includes airfare and accommodation. As a result, this attracted nursing students requiring to obtain the NCLEX certification.
Arrivals from South Korea showed a slight increase of 2 percent at 4,745 visitors compared with March 2005. This increase is a result of the ongoing promotions targeted toward the golf market. Currently, there is a golf package offered that includes airfare, accommodations, and green fee. According to the visitor profile from South Korea for the month of March, the number of visitors planning to play golf increased by 80 percent compared with March 2005.
Overall, total visitor arrivals to the CNMI reached 35,768—a 16.27 percent decline compared with March 2005. The decline in visitor arrivals continues to be impacted with the decline in airline seat capacity from Japan. Arrivals from Japan totaled 24,309, a 26-percent decline compared with March 2005.
