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‘Islands must offer something different’
The CNMI’s three main islands—Saipan, Tinian, and Rota—must have something unique from the other and offer new attractions for healthy competition in getting tourists.
James Chua, who helps the Governor’s Office, said Tinian and Rota must come up with events so their communities could also get a piece of the tourism pie.
“That’s what’s lacking now on Tinian and Rota. Tourists should have some reason why they would want to go there. They have to create some kind of attraction, to entice tourists,” said Chua, the director of Pacific Century Inc. that also handles business development.
He cited the Philippines as an example. “Just like in the Philippines, it has many islands. So, if somebody flies to Manila then why they would want to go and visit Ilocos Norte? You have to develop something. There has to be something special there. …That’s what Tinian and Rota need to do, they have to develop something special so that when tourists come…and land on Saipan, they would also want to go to Tinian or to Rota. Because there is something special there that Saipan does not offer,” Chua added.
Chua was hired as an adviser and consultant of the Governor’s Office for Best Sunshine International, Ltd.’s multi-billion dollar casino project.
“Casino gaming is new on Saipan but it is also a very important industry. It is an important part of the CNMI now since it also generates revenue that funds public programs.”
He said developing projects on islands that are quite remote is one of the challenges that he encounters. The Tinian Casino and Gaming Commission also hired him a few years ago.
