‘Rota economy on the upswing’
ROTA—Two investors are seriously interested in putting up businesses on the island and there are many indicators that their economy is on the upswing, according to Rota Mayor Efraim M. Atalig.
In an interview on Friday, Atalig noted an increase in the number of flights to Rota since last year and he expects to see a further increases this year.
Star Marianas, Arctic Circle, and Cape Air have been providing flights from Guam and Saipan for the Bisita Luta and Rota fiesta celebrations.
Atalig said a few investors came around and saw improvements in terms of the island’s tourism enhancement sites and the cleanliness of the island.
“That make me feel good because [the feedback is] coming from them [investors],” he said.
Atalig disclosed continued efforts to bring in more investors, saying that two investors seem to be serious. Without identifying the two, Atalig hinted that they are leaning more toward building a hotel and engaging in eco-tourism.
“When you see investors, it tells you that we need to make Rota alive in terms of economy,” he said, adding that he is also working toward increasing the capacity of skilled workers through trade and vocational training as the island has not enough manpower.
The mayor said he welcomes a casino on the island, but his main focus is eco-tourism.
“But if eco-tourism comes along with a casino, I welcome it. But I want to balance the growth between these two. I don’t want put too much growth on casino, perhaps see more emphasis on eco-tourism,” Atalig said.
Mayor Atalig I am not sure where you see an economic upswing on Rota, but as to the investors wanting to build a hotel why don’t they just buy one of the empty ones, Jotina Hotel, Coconut Village Hotel, the Rota Hotel, BP Hotel or if they wait a while longer the Rota Resort might be available. Also the airline situation on Rota could still use some improvements. Arctic Air is laughable, Star Marianas good schedule, but small old planes and 20 lbs. of luggage allowance! Then there is United-Cape Air, inconvenient schedule usually with side trips to Guam or Saipan and breakdowns and cancellations. You still have your work cut out for you if you want visitor numbers to visit and stay on the beautiful island of Rota.
Even though I hope for economic upswing for Rota because it is a beautiful island, I don’t agree with you Mayor. I went to Rota for the fiesta and while I was waiting for my flight to Rota, I mentioned to the SM staff that it’s great that they’re making money from the daily flights to Rota. She said that the only time their flights are full is during the fiesta but most of the time the daily flights are not even filled up. As you can see from the casino on Saipan, most of them are Chinese and in order to cater to the Chinese market, you need to have other tourist activities like name brand stores, supermarkets, restaurants, and water sports for them to go to Rota. I think you have a better chance with eco-tourism and market it in Japan.
Atalig misses the single most vital economic indicator of growth which is non-existent today, sir!