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PDI wants shuttle service, more dive shops on Rota
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Posted on Jan 19 2009
The company behind the charter services on Rota said the destination would improve with the addition of shuttle service and the opening of more dive shops.
“It would be great to have a shuttle transfer during the scheduled charters, as a roundtrip from the hotel to Songsong village is a splendid way to see Rota at a reasonable price. In addition, with only three dive companies there, we have to provide dive[masters] from Saipan,” said Pacific Development Inc. president Yoichi Matsumura.
While Saipan is the more popular diver destination, Rota has made some inroads and with continued promotion will rival the CNMI capital in the future, he said.
Aside from lack of transportation and dive support, Matsumura said the southernmost chain of the Commonwealth is one of best kept tourism secret in the region.
“It’s a real treasure chest, it’s clean and quiet, real relaxing and as we have always shared with MVA [Marianas Visitors Authority], it really lives up to its image as the friendliest place to visit, a serene place you just want to return to and enjoy the peaceful and tranquil feeling you don’t find in Guam, Saipan, and Tinian.”
Matsumura added that as long as the CNMI provides support for promotional materials, PDI and its parent company, KNT Kinki Nippon Tourist Co., Ltd., will continue their effort to work with airlines to help Rota.
“Tinian with its casino, Saipan as a stop and [hub for the rest of the CNMI], and Guam for its mainstream entertainment down in Tumon, Rota is just a treasure chest,” he said.
In related news, Matsumura and KNT executive senior managing director Ochi Yoshinori last week made a courtesy call to the 16th CNMI Legislature to extend their companies’ appreciation to the people of the CNMI.
PDI and KNT completed 28 charter flight to Rota last year.
House Speaker Arnold Palacios, Senate President Pete Reyes, Rota Delegation chair Sen. Paul Manglona, Rep. Victor Hocog, and Saipan Delegation chair Rep. Ramon Tebuteb were present and applauded KNT, PDI, and Continental Micronesia for taking the risk to schedule charters “in these challenging and difficult economic times.”
