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‘Show NMI culture to greet tourists’
Showcasing the CNMI’s island culture could be done as early as when visitors are welcomed at the airport, according to Rep. Joseph Leepan T. Guerrero. In the process, the tourists are entertained while they are waiting in line.
The lack of personnel at Customs and Border Protection and the successive arrivals of flights have resulted in long lines f tourists waiting to get immigration clearance at the Francisco C. Ada Saipan International Airport. At one point it took almost five hours before passengers were cleared to enter the CNMI.
Guerrero said this and other issues at the airport are being addressed, with CBP, the Commonwealth Ports Authority and the Marianas Visitors Authority among the lead agencies.
“Right now the airport and the long waiting period are among the biggest concerns. MVA had created a task force to study what else needs to be done and built. They are thinking of realistic solutions,” said Guerrero.
He added a little entertainment could lighten the frustrated mood of visitors.
“We must reach out to [the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs] or with the arts council to come up with plans of having entertainers during periods of arrival,” Guerrero told Saipan Tribune. “Let’s entertain tourists who are waiting and keep them preoccupied while they wait in line. Others could be at the baggage claim area to give out mwars or leis. Let’s show them our loving and welcoming spirit for the inconvenience that they’ve been through.”
He added that the performances could be considered as the CNMI’s act of goodwill and gift as we welcome visitors to the islands.
Guerrero also supports Gov. Ralph DLG Torres’ recommendation to stagger the arrival times of each airline that operate flights to Saipan. “The governor should encourage or at least convey a message to CPA and meet with the airlines. We need to look into a staggered arrival of flights.”
“For example, Asiana comes in at 2am, then Jeju Air at 2:45am, and so forth. This would give CBP ample time to process Asiana passengers first and avoid being held up because of the huge volume of visitors. This causes backlog and CBP does not have the personnel.”
