IPI: Outbreak impacts flow of customers

The coronavirus outbreak in China is having an impact on the flow of customers at the Imperial Palace Saipan in Garapan, according to the company that owns it, Imperial Pacific International (CNMI) LLC

Responding to Saipan Tribune’s request for comments about the coronavirus’ impact, IPI said yesterday that, although there’s an impact on the number of their customers from China, they are also seeing an increase in Korean and Japanese customers.

IPI attributes this increase in their number of Japanese customers to the new direct flights from Japan through Skymark Airlines.

IPI said they are working with the Marianas Visitors Authority and other partners to promote Saipan and the Imperial Pacific Resort in Korea and Japan.

Most of IPI’s casino customers are Chinese nationals.

Sichuan Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, and Beijing Capital Airlines have suspended flights to the CNMI this February due to the coronavirus outbreak. There is no indication yet on until when the outbreak will last.