Torres wants agencies to address tourism issues

Gov. Ralph DLG Torres hopes that concerned agencies would come together and address growing concerns on tourists that are coming to the CNMI.

Those issues include the long wait hours of visitors after arriving at the airport, tourists that come to work as construction workers, and birth tourism.

Torres met separately with Customs and Border Protection, Commonwealth Ports Authority, Marianas Visitors Authority, and representatives of airline carriers that offer flights to Saipan.

He discussed concerns about overstaying tourists, the issue of birth tourism, and the China visa waiver parole program.

“There are construction workers coming in as tourists and about birth tourism,” Torres told Saipan Tribune. “We need to address that. This is a serious matter and must no longer be tolerated. The airlines and concerned agencies need to find a solution to stop these kinds of actions. Otherwise, we would start pulling out airlines that are not in compliance.”

With China representing 40 percent of visitor arrivals in the Commonwealth, the visa waiver program is a critical part of the CNMI tourism economy, Torres said.

“Ensuring that all relevant [agencies]—the CNMI government, CPA, and tour and airline operators—understand and relentlessly pursue all options to prevent illegal immigration and be responsible partners in this program,” said Torres. “It is important for me to make it clear that this administration is ready to make the painful or difficult changes to the status quo to be able to maintain our access to larger markets so the families and residents who are relying on the continued growth of our economy can continue to succeed.”

Unconfirmed reports have reached Saipan Tribune that pregnant women are still allowed to enter the CNMI by either wearing lose clothing or if they actually tell the truth about coming to Saipan just to give birth.

“I have not yet heard about it, but that is something that we need to clear with [CBP]. And if that’s the case, is it okay to come here and just give birth?” said Torres, who again met with CPA, MVA, and airline officials last Wednesday.

The meetings are just the latest in a series of consultations in the hopes of solving problems that plague the Francisco C. Ada/Saipan International Airport.

The long wait lines—at one time reaching five hours—just to be cleared at CBP is one of the issues of concern aside from passengers of international flights following federal immigration laws.

“The discussions we had with our airline partners, and our local airport and tourism officials were crucial to addressing the problems facing our airport. I’m pleased to report that there is a collective commitment to work collaboratively to address the serious concerns we all should share for the long term interests of our economy.”

He added, in a separate statement, the meetings are pivotal in order to provide “necessary dialogue about the CNMI government’s measures and the airlines can undertake to achieve sustainable solutions to the processing times and to support the adequate screening of tourists.”
 
MD: Gov. Ralph DLG Torres wants agencies to address tourist issues