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Visitor arrivals slightly up in August
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Posted on Sep 17 1999
Visitor arrivals for the month of August totaled 44,157, or a 2.4 percent increase compared to the month of August 1998, according to the Marianas Visitors Authority.
Overall, there was a marginal decline in arrivals from CNMI’s major markets as Japan recorded a 1 percent drop in August 1999 despite the chartered flights delivered by Japan Airlines. This slight drop was attributed to the summer holiday season celebrated during the months of July and August.
With the scheduled use of a B747 by Northwest Airlines next month, tourism officials expect arrivals from Japan to improve. At the same time, JAL’s 50 percent reduction of airfare in October, November and December this year is expected to boost the sagging tourism economy.
Before the end of the 1999, JAL will operate nine charter flights to Saipan , three each in the months of October, November and December from Nagoya.
Ten chartered flights were brought in by JAL from Osaka, Nagoya and Fukuoka. This resulted in an increase in arrivals from Japan’s major markets regions: Kinki, 12 percent; Tokai, 21 percent; and Kyushu, 5 percent.
As the Korean economy continues to show economic recovery, arrivals from that country jumped 112 percent. The ongoing summer holidays generated a significant increase in family vacationers. Children aged 18 and below accounted for 18.5 percent of arrivals from Korea.
Strong growth from this region compensated for the declines from the U.S. (15 percent) and Guam (22 percent). Taiwan, an alternative market for the CNMI, dropped 23 percent.
Across the islands, total visitors to Saipan increased four percent in August. Rota and Tinian experienced a total drop of 50 percent each during the same period compared to the same month last year.
MVA is planning to step up its marketing campaign next fiscal year to increase visibility in Japan and emphasize the attractions offered by the islands of Saipan, Rota and Tinian using the Saipanda mascot.
Saipanda will continue to be introduced in different newspapers and magazines targeting office ladies who comprise the biggest travel market in Japan.
