Arrivals drop 26% in September
According to monthly statistics from the Marianas Visitors Authority, arrivals to the islands of Saipan, Tinian, and Rota decreased 26% to 14,555 visitors in September 2024, compared to 19,566 visitors received in September 2023.
Total visitor arrivals for FY 2024 ending in September reached 237,498 visitors, 22% more than FY 2023. Comparing FY 2024 to FY 2023, arrivals from Korea grew 12%, arrivals from Japan increased 71%, and arrivals from China increased 294%
Total FY 2024 arrivals were 44% lower than pre-pandemic arrivals of 424,838 in FY 2019.
In September, visitor arrivals from South Korea registered 10,866, 34% lower than 16,444 visitors received in September 2023. T’way Air cancelled flights from Seoul-Incheon on Sept. 7-13 and 23-29, 2024, due to aircraft maintenance requirements and a lack of sufficient aircraft. In addition, Asiana Airlines had closed its Saipan office on June 30, 2024, and TMON (Ticket Monster)—one of the most popular e-commerce platform for booking travel packages, recently suspended operations. However, these challenges were offset by five extra charter flights to Saipan by Jeju Air accommodating a spike in travel during the Chuseok holiday mid-month.
Visitor arrivals from Japan registered 551 in September 2024 compared to 515 visitors in September 2023, a 7% increase. The strong U.S. dollar and weaker Japanese yen continue to influence travelers to choose non-U.S. or domestic destinations, as well a current preference for domestic travel among Japanese travelers. Comparing FY 2024 to FY 2023, arrivals from Japan have grown 71% in the last year
China arrivals in September 2024 reached 1,505 compared to 854 arrivals in September 2023. Prior to the pandemic, China was the second largest source market of visitors to the Marianas with multiple direct flights a week from five cities. Hong Kong Airlines now flies twice weekly between Hong Kong and Saipan.
In August the Marianas also received 743 visitors from Guam, 589 visitors from the USA, and a combined 301 visitors from all other markets. (PR)
MVA pix
