Saipan’s ‘dangerous’ tag removed

The Japanese government has modified its online travel advisory that previously listed the Northern Marianas, especially Saipan, as a dangerous destination for its tourists due to growing crimes committed on the islands.

House Health and Welfare Committee Chair Malua T. Peter yesterday disclosed that the Japanese government has removed the Northern Marianas from its list of unsafe destinations for Japanese travelers.

Ms. Peter said Commonwealth officials learned about this during their most recent trade mission to Japan, which coincided with the re-launching of Continental Airline’s nonstop flights between Nagoya and Saipan.

“They have already removed the islands from the list of unsafe travel destinations for their citizens although they maintain some advisory, like reminding Japanese travelers to be vigilant against just any harm they might encounter anywhere outside Japan,” she told reporters in an interview.

Through its website, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan in September last year cautioned its citizens against traveling to the CNMI due to rampant crimes of robbery, murder, drug use, and smuggling.

The foreign ministry told its Japanese travelers not to leave their valuables in cars at parking areas unattended since these will be stolen. Tourists are advised to protect their valuables and other belongings from snatchers while walking around the streets of Saipan.

Japanese travelers are asked not to leave valuables in their hotel rooms when they leave due to climbing incidents of theft.

The advisory said visitors should avoid roaming around beaches at night because of a number of assault and stabbing incidents in these areas. Obyan Beach, a popular diving area for Japanese tourists, was cited as unsafe since many items left in the vehicles were reported stolen.

The website cited a number of incidents experienced by Japanese visitors when they traveled to the Northern Marianas. On the islands of Saipan and Rota, many Japanese tourists have been victims of robbery, it added.

As travelers try to withdraw money at ATM machines, their valuables left on the floor are stolen by onlookers.

Due to the increase in robbery and theft incidents, visitors are told not to leave all their important documents, valuables, credit cards and cash in one bag.

“Be careful when you go diving in Saipan because of the many reported diving-related accidents,” the travel advisory said.

The website also noted an increase in drug use in the CNMI, thus tourists are told to avoid this.

The travel advisory discouraging Japanese visitors from coming to the CNMI was issued amid efforts by the Marianas Visitors Authority to revive the slumping tourism economy.

Tourism officials have also been trying to get back the CNMI’s market share in Japan by carrying out aggressive marketing campaign since it has been badly shattered by the Asian economic recession.

MVA has always believed that Saipan will continue to be a popular destination among Japanese tourists due to its proximity to Japan, crystal clear waters and clean beaches, as well as its image as a safe destination. (ARF)