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More flights, tourist sites development for the CNMI
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Posted on Oct 04 2000
The Northern Marianas expects to see increased flights to the islands from key cities in Japan as well as development of existing tourists sites, according to the Strategic Economic Development Council (SEDC).
At a meeting last week, Continental Micronesia announced the restoration of direct flights from Osaka to Saipan for limited periods in 2001.
Walter Dias, staff to the vice president for sales and marketing of the Guam-based carrier, told SEDC substantial seat demand will allow direct flights from Osaka in February and March, and again between June and August.
SEDC also has expressed intention to invite Korean Airlines to resume its flights to Saipan when the moratorium on KAL flights ends in November 2001, said a statement released by the Public Information Office yesterday.
It also reported that the Garapan Revitalization Project, including sidewalk lighting, street landscaping and drainage control, is targeted to begin by February next year.
House Speaker Benigno R. Fitial has also informed SEDC that the lower house expects to introduce legislation that will provide $2 million in supplemental funding for the development of new facilities at American Memorial Park.
Meanwhile, SEDC has conducted informal talks with for major hotel chains — Hilton International, Starwood Hotels, Outrigger Hotel Corp., and Marriott Hotels and Resorts.
According to Hotel Development Committee Chair Ron Leach of Bank of Hawaii, although each of the hotels has looked at properties in the CNMI in the past two years, executives have said no capital investment is planned in the foreseeable future.
In an effort to make the CNMI more attractive to hotel investors, SEDC is working with the Legislature to develop an incentive package specifically designed to attract new investment here.
SEDC is comprised of high-level government officials, including the governor and legislative leaders, as well as key executives from local and regional banks, hotels, retailers, airlines and travel agencies.
