Rates slip to $113.69 as Korea–Guam seat supply and exchange rates pressure arrivals
SAIPAN – The Hotel Association of the Northern Mariana Islands said average occupancy fell to 14.87% in September 2025, down from 43.02% a year earlier and the lowest since 1992 (excluding the peak pandemic). Hotels sold 9,203 of 64,905 room nights; the average rate was $113.69 (Sept. 2024: $130.88).
HANMI cites intense competition for Korea travelers, unfavorable exchange rates, and an oversupply of seats to Guam, alongside aircraft delivery delays and weaker destination competitiveness. Chair Dennis Seo called it a “perfect storm,” saying HANMI is working with MVA, airlines, and agencies to keep seats and doors open.
Service is unstable: Jeju Seoul–Saipan night suspended (day daily), T’way Seoul–Saipan night suspended Oct. 14–Nov. 22, resumes Nov. 23–Mar. 14, then suspended from Mar. 15 UFN; Busan–Saipan seasonal charter Dec. 23–Feb. 28 (Thu/Sun) under negotiation. United Narita–Saipan 3x weekly (Tue/Thu/Sun); Hong Kong Airlines Hong Kong–Saipan 2x weekly (Thu/Sun).
HANMI says hotels are weighing hard-block seat buys and Korea-market incentives. The group is also seeking reinstatement of Annex VI under the U.S.–China Air Transport Agreement and clarity on EVS-TAP to aid airline planning.
