Tinian Dynasty Travel adds 2 more flights from Shanghai

 On the early morning hours of Nov. 3, 2011, Sichuan Airline’s flight from Shanghai landed at the Saipan International Airport, marking the beginning of two more weekly flights from China. These flights are on top of the existing twice weekly flights from China. That means there are now six flights from China to Saipan every week.

The two flights on Monday and Friday depart from Guangzhou. The four flights on Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday depart from Shanghai. All flights arrive on Saipan the following morning.

By adding these two weekly flights, Tinian Dynasty Travel chairman Michael Kwan is confident in the development of the China tourism market for the CNMI and the popularity of the CNMI as a destination.

“I am very gratified that the tireless efforts and determination to overturn the other Chinese airlines’ objections, the long approval process with U.S. [Department of Transportation], [Federal Aviation Administration, and Transportation Security Administration], and the allocation of landing and takeoff slots at both Shanghai and Guangzhou airports all came to fruition,” Kwan said. “I am very confident that through my continued efforts to bring more Chinese visitors to CNMI, the economy will recover soon.”

Kwan also extends his appreciation to Sichuan Airline for their support and partnership in making the flights to Saipan available for Chinese tourists.

To increase its promotional efforts in China, Tinian Dynasty Travel opened its ninth sales and marketing office in Xian City (population 7.4 million) in Shaanxi Province (population 37.6 million). Other offices are in Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Foshan, Dalian, Chengdu, Wuhan, and Shenzhen.

On Oct. 25, together with Sichaun Airlines, the office hosted an educational seminar for 412 travel agents and media to showcase the beauty and scenery of Saipan, Tinian, and Rota as a tropical destination. The presentation was well received by everyone in attendance. Yu Ya Jun, vice chairman of the Xian Tourism Administration, gave his personal endorsement to promote the CNMI as an ideal destination for Chinese tourists. The education seminar received wide coverage in Xian’s newspaper and television.

The two weekly flights will bring an additional 25,000 visitors per year, for an annual total of more than 75,000 visitors from China. With their average spending of US$1,500 per person, they are expected to generate more than $100 million in revenue for the local economy. (Tinian Dynasty travel)