Mariana Lounge opens for business

Kan Pacific Saipan Ltd. president Yoshihiro Kitami, third right, leads the ribbon cutting of the Mariana Lounge on Friday. Others in photo are, from left, Mariana Resort & Spa property manager Charlene Babauta, Kan Pacific vice president and Mariana Resort & Spa general manager Gloria Cavanagh, Lt. Gov. Victor B. Hocog, Rep. Joseph Leepan T. Guerrero (R-Saipan), and Marianas Visitors Authority acting managing director Judy Chong Torres. (Jon Perez)

Kan Pacific Saipan Ltd. vice president Gloria Cavanagh said a new era in providing customer service in the CNMI has began with the opening of Mariana Lounge last Friday. The Lounge is located at the former China House along Beach Road after National Office Supply.

The Mariana Lounge is the fourth business that Kan Pacific has opened as they prepare for the expected closure of Mariana Resort & Spa and Marianas Country Club. The Lounge is under Mariana Grand Service, which also offers transportation services to tourists.

Kan Pacific, headed by president Yoshihiro Kitami, also owns and operates Mariana Ocean and Zen Teppanyaki Restaurant.

Cavanagh said CNMI tourism officials have been aware of the difficulty tourists experience whether they just arrived on Saipan or about to leave the island.

“Majority of flights arrive and leave in the wee hours of the morning. Mariana Lounge provides services to tourists who are unable to check in to their hotel rooms until later that day. Additionally, we provide services to those who are about to leave. Those who check out at noon.”

Cavanagh added they considered the stress tourists go through after standing in line for hours after arriving at the airport. “We wanted to provide a lounge that is convenient and luxurious, I believe that we have achieved this.”

The Lounge’s strategic location also adds to the ambience with the Saipan lagoon just across. “What better view to end or begin your trip. This is a place where you can see that you’re in paradise”

Lt. Gov. Victor B. Hocog said the administration is thrilled for Kan Pacific’s decision to open the Lounge. “It is a good way of providing passengers who are waiting to check in a place to rest rather than sleeping at the lobby of the hotel. They made this amenity available for them to relax and be comfortable.”

He added that Kan Pacific’s newest business venture would be an additional source of revenue for the CNMI. It would generate some revenue, but not as much as we expect compared to a hotel room but it would help. It would provide revenue not only for Kan Pacific but also contribute to tax payment for business.”

Rep. Joseph Leepan T. Guerrero (R-Saipan), the House Commerce and Tourism Committee chair, said he was glad Kan Pacific took the initiative to address a bigger issue to provide tourists arriving in the early morning a place where they can briefly stay after a long flight.

“This is a new idea for the island and a lot of our visitors arrive in the early morning. They have to either wait at the hotel lobby as their rooms are being prepared. The same also goes to passengers who are about to leave. They just sit at the lobby waiting for their time to go to the airport for their flight.”

Guerrero said Mariana Lounge also makes it easier for tourists to be transported to the airport. “The Lounge gives them a place to stay and relax for a minimum fee. I’ve heard that they’ve linked up with all of the airlines so there’s no chance for them to miss their flight.”

The Mariana Lounge is similar to facilities operated by airlines at the airport for their passengers waiting for the time to board their flights.

“But here, it is a different environment. Away from the airport, a place for visitors to relax, incoming, and outgoing, this is a good idea. They can get some snacks, have breakfast and coffee,” said Guerrero.

Marianas Visitors Authority acting managing director Judy Chong Torres applauded Kan Pacific for their new business added that they are also excited for the new service that they are offering.

“We applaud [Kan Pacific] for seeing the need to help our visitors and meeting that need. We commend them for having the vision to make visitors’ stay affordable and comfortable in an innovative way that adds quality to our destination.”

“This is the place where visitors can transition for a few hours between airport and hotel or vice versa without having to pay a whole night stay just to relax and refresh themselves.”

She added that the Mariana Lounge is providing a new service to its customers. “Mariana Lounge offers a respite for visitors in an unbeatable location, just across the street from crystal clear western lagoon, a scenic pathway, and spectacular sunsets.”

“Starting today, expect more foot traffic at this location. We are looking forward for more happy photos and active social media shares of our islands.”