Previous Story
‘Occupancy numbers could be better’
|
Posted on Jul 19 2019
The Marianas Visitors Authority believes that the hotel occupancy rate for July could be better, but is hopeful that it would improve once the charter flights of Skymark Airlines Inc. roll in.
In a short interview with MVA managing director Priscilla Maratita Iakopo, she estimates the hotel occupancy rate this July to be in the high 80s and, although that would be a big improvement, it could still be better.
Iakopo said that MVA is hopeful that the numbers will increase with the incoming flights from Japan.
“I haven’t received the recent reports yet but it’s in the high 80s in percentage. It could be better but we’re hoping that, with the charter from Skymark in August and September, that will help as well,” she said.
Iakopo explained that Skymark will only provide charter flight for the time being and are not sure when they will provide regular flights. “Skymark will charter for now, but they are committed so they still will be coming,” she said.
Iakopo also said that MVA will continue to work with hotels on increasing occupancy.
“We’re working hand in hand to ensure that our tourist arrivals continue to increase so that way they [hotels] are able to have guests and increase the occupancy rate,” she said.
According to Saipan Tribune archives, the Hotel Association of the Northern Mariana Islands reported an 87.92% average occupancy rate among its 11-member hotels in June 2019.
Last year, HANMI reported a 79.54% average occupancy rate in July.
