Previous Story
‘China ADS announcement a historic day’
|
Posted on Oct 14 2004
Gov. Juan N. Babauta described as an “historic day” the recent announcement that the People’s Republic of China’s National Tourism Administration has named the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands as an approved destination for Chinese tourists.
“This is an historic day for the Commonwealth,” Babauta said, “because we are the first U.S. destination to be able to host tourists from China.”
At a Wednesday press conference attended by Babauta and Lt. Gov. Diego T. Benavente, Senate President Joaquin Adriano, House Speaker Benigno Fitial, Marianas Visitors Authority board chair Dave Sablan, Saipan Chamber of Commerce’s Jay Jones, and Tinian Dynasty Hotel and Casino chair Michael Kwan, the governor noted that the CNMI can now advertise in China through approved tour agencies the advantages of a tropical vacation spot only three to four hours flying time away from most major cities in China.
In 2002, the last year for which figures are available, 16 million vacationers left China for other destinations. They spent over $10 billion for recreational travel. The Chinese government has approved 54 other countries for travel, many in Europe. The CNMI becomes the 55th approved destination.
“This is also an opportunity for investors from China to explore the CNMI’s potential to cater to visitors from the People’s Republic of China,” Babauta said. “Hotels, tour guides, travel agents, and specialists in outdoor recreation can all see a huge market in promoting Chinese tourism. China’s population of 1.4 billion people can provide the CNMI with a steady stream of visitors from a previously untapped market. The possibilities are tremendous.”
The governor praised Kwan for his efforts in bringing about this “Approved Destination Status” agreement. Kwan has been working with the Chinese government for over two years to finalize the agreement.
Earlier this year he invited the chairman of China’s National Tourism Administration, He Guang Wei, to visit the CNMI and sample its attractions. Chairman He spent three days on Saipan and Tinian.
Babauta will fly to China next month for a formal ceremony signing the Memorandum of Understanding that establishes the CNMI as an approved destination.
