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Japan’s triple disasters pummel CNMI tourism
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Posted on Dec 29 2011
The triple disasters that hit Japan last March 11 brought the CNMI’s tourism industry to its knees in 2011.
The earthquake and subsequent tsunami and nuclear fallout that hit the Sendai region of Japan brought further uncertainties to the islands’ remaining industry, as thousands from its key markets in Japan—Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya—cancelled their trips to the CNMI.
The Marianas Visitors Authority assessed that a total of 2,640 tourists from the area cancelled their vacations on island just a week after the disaster. These cancellations covered only up to June this year and may continue until the rest of the year pending Japan’s recovery.
It was projected that initial direct negative impact to the economy was at $6 million just two weeks after the tragedy.
The trip cancellations’ ripple effect was evident on the island, as significant losses were incurred by hotels that led to layoffs of personnel in the local tour and travel sectors.
MVA noted 28 percent unemployment in public sector and 31 percent unemployment in private sector as a result of the Japan tragedy.
The tourism body also delayed some of its activities as a result of the incident. The CNMI, since 2005, has experienced a dramatic decline in tourist arrivals due to the pullout of Japan Airlines from the Commonwealth.
