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HANMI occupancy at 90 percent in February
The Hotel Association of the Northern Mariana Islands reported a 90.32-percent average occupancy rate among 11 member-hotels in February 2019.
The figure reflects a 6-percent decrease compared to February 2018.
Average room rates were higher than last year at $190.23 compared to $185.63 in February 2018.
A total of 55,394 of 62,370 available room nights sold in February 2019, compared to 71,976 of 75,685 available room nights sold over the same period last year. The reduced number of hotel rooms reflects the continued closure of hotel rooms damaged by Super Typhoon Yutu, as well as the closure of Mariana Resort & Spa on Oct. 1, 2018.
“On a positive note, February 2019 had the highest average room rates in HANMI history at $190.23 a night,” said HANMI chair Gloria Cavanagh. “However, arrivals are still sluggish and the closure of Marianas Resort, Coral Ocean Golf Resort, and Saipan World Resort affected results, so average occupancy dropped back to February 2012 levels. Overall, that means lower BRGT, hotel occupancy tax, and revenue.”
Cavanagh added that the outlook for coming months is also mixed.
“We are looking forward to the resumption of T’way flights from Seoul, Incheon and the first of Skymark Airline flights from Japan later this month,” said Cavanagh. “However, the Korean market this March is still low. At this time more than ever, it is critical to retain access to a visa-free China market, as Chinese visitors now comprise half of the Marianas’ tourism industry. The challenges we face now are difficult, but to lose the China market would be catastrophic.”
HANMI was established in 1985 as a professional forum for the hospitality industry of the Marianas. HANMI also makes regular charitable donations to support non-profit organizations and tourism-related government projects.
Hotels included in HANMI’s monthly statistical reports are Aqua Resort Club, Aquarius Beach Tower, Century Hotel, GrandVrio Resort Saipan, Fiesta Resort & Spa, Hyatt Regency Saipan, Kanoa Resort Saipan, Kensington Hotel Saipan, LaoLao Bay Golf & Resort, Saipan World Resort, and Pacific Islands Club Saipan. (PR)
