Japan travelers still excited about Marianas

Passengers of Fly Guam’s inaugural flight from Nagoya, Japan were excited to roam the island upon their arrival at the Francisco C. Ada/Saipan International Airport yesterday afternoon.

Tomomi Kagohashi, who traveled with her friends, said it was their second time in the Marianas and described the experience as always like the first time. She plans to spend her three-night vacation in places where she first attracted most: serene beaches, scenic spots, and relaxing spas. For Kagohashi and her group, Saipan is still the best place to relax and bond with their loved ones.

“I am always excited to come back here…it’s the best place to relax and enjoy,” she told Saipan Tribune.

For Eriko and Kazuhisa Murayama, visiting Saipan has always been part of their plans. The trip was first for the couple who admitted looking forward to amazing places and attractions. Like other first time visitors on island, the couple is looking forward for a meaningful journey to the island.

There were over 80 passengers onboard yesterday’s maiden flight from Nagoya, including special guests and VIPs who attended the inaugural ceremony in Japan. The group flew on a Boeing 737-400 and arrived at 4:25pm yesterday. Upon arrival, passengers and crewmembers were greeted by Marianas Visitor Authority marketing specialists Brenda Repeki and Hiroko Tenorio. Shell leis were also offered to the visitors by local dancers at the airport. The new route brings five additional weekly flights to Saipan which are scheduled during Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday. The carrier has now a total of 23 weekly flights to the Marianas.

Also seen onboard the maiden flight were MVA marketing manager Bruce Bateman, Saipan Mayor Donald Flores, Tinian Mayor Ramon Dela Cruz, and media representatives from Japan. Saipan Tribune learned that MVA managing director Perry Tenorio also attended the Japan ceremony but is expected to come back today.

Bateman told Saipan Tribune that he was surprised on the overwhelming attendance at the Japan ceremony yesterday where several media and travel industry partners graced the momentous occasion for Fly Guam. He described the ceremony as nicely done and well organized.

“Anytime you open a brand new flight, you have the opportunity to bring in 144 people, five times a week and this is a significant improvement to the bottomline of our tourism income,” Bateman said, adding that MVA will do its best to help the carrier maintain the air seats from all key markets.

For Tinian Mayor Ramon Dela Cruz, promoting all three islands in the Commonwealth will help in attracting more travelers to the Marianas. He pointed out that both Rota and Tinian have similar beauty to offer to tourists. Dela Cruz hopes that Fly Guam will consider landing to Tinian in the near future. “We are working hard to get international flights and we’re hoping Fly Guam will consider landing to Tinian in the near future…and I was told today that nothing is impossible,” said Dela Cruz, who also believed the effectiveness of providing more visual presentation in promoting the islands.