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AS TORRES ADMINISTRATION FOCUSES ON TOURISM
Projects for other islands’ enhancement being proposed
New and different recreational activities and tourist attractions are in the works to enhance not only Saipan, but other islands and the whole of the CNMI as a tourist destination.
In an interview with the media yesterday, Gov. Ralph DLG Torres shared some of the new projects in the works that will give added value to the CNMI.
Torres said they are focusing on ecotourism, and on top of integrated resorts, new activities are also being proposed.
One activity that is totally different, he said, is the zip line facility that is in the works. He added that he has also met with investors wanting to have bike lanes for cross-island biking.
“We are focusing now with a lot of environmental, hiking, biking,” Torres said.
Torres also mentioned plans about developing ecotourism on Goat Island that would include goat hunting.
“There is a niche of tourism that would like to pay good money to hunt goats,” Torres said.
Torres also said that having M/V Luta available for service in the CNMI will provide access to Rota and pave the way for its enhancement.
“Just the fact that we have MV Luta be part of the availability of shipping, and this is a cargo ship, you can bring a lot of equipment, materials to start revitalization on Rota. This will also open up, I believe, tourism up north, in the Northern Islands,” Torres said.
He added that they are also talking to Guam for a cruise liner to travel to Pagan.
Incoming Marianas Visitors Authority managing director Chris Concepcion said that adding new recreational activities is among their goals.
“I think that’s one of our goals, to increase the amount of attraction in the CNMI so that it entices more tourists to come,” Concepcion said.
He added that the casino is already an added attraction and will help in increasing tourists including Japan.
“I think with the temporary casino and the full casino coming on board, it think that’s an added attraction, I think there’s a market out there for it including Japan. I think there’s a niche market out there that is interested in gambling,” Concepcion said.
