‘We need to develop the military tourism market’

Gov. Arnold I. Palacios stands firm in his plans to pivot away from the China tourism market amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions and developing military tourism in its place.

In an interview with Palacios last week, he confirmed that his administration has begun developing military tourism and now is a better time than ever, given the recent relocation of over 5,000 military personnel from Japan to Guam.

“This is just the start. We’ve been talking with Joint Region Marianas, the Department of Defense, and we’ve had discussions on ways to start capitalizing on [a military tourism] market and start trying to develop that market. Guam now has a really active military market and, with the transfer of the Japan base to Guam, you’re talking of close to 10,000 to 50,000 people. That’s an opportunity for us to take a look into that market. Rota is very close by. Now let’s work on making our islands a getaway for these personnel [in] Guam. We have to start helping ourselves to that market and start developing that market,” he said.

If the CNMI succeeds in developing military tourism, Palacios said the administration may be open to incentivizing flights from Guam to Saipan.

“We need to develop that market for [our airline partners] before we can incentivize them to give us a better deal. So we need to help show that we are helping create that market,” he said.

According to Saipan Tribune archives, Daniel Aquino, who is the governor’s special assistant for military affairs, said the administration has already kicked into gear its plans to tap into military spending in the CNMI through tourism.

“The military is always interested in exploring, diving, golfing, anything leisurely and recreational for families. That’s what they’re looking at. We’re trying to get them to visit here from Guam. We’re currently actively pursuing this,” said Aquino.

Aquino said the Commonwealth Bureau of Military Affairs has already started establishing partnerships in preparation for this new industry.

“For the governor and lieutenant governor’s part, we’re moving toward the direction of military [tourism] as we pivot away from our China market. We’re trying to encourage [Joint Region Marianas] to conduct more military training exercises here,” he said.

“As we move forward, we’ve partnered with the Marianas Visitors Authority to create staycation packages [for military personnel]. It’s currently in the preliminary stages. We’re also working with the Saipan Chamber of Commerce on this,” Aquino added.