SAIPAN — The steady decrease of inbound passengers continues for the CNMI as the Marianas Visitors Authority reported 10,793 visitor arrivals in October 2025 compared to 15,226 arrivals in October 2024.
While tourism around the world continues to decline, MVA blames reduced air seat capacity compared to pre-pandemic levels, reporting a decline from about 760,000 air seats in FY 2018 to 250,000 in FY 2025, a 67% overall loss. MVA said the decline includes a 60% loss of seats from South Korea, the top source market, citing airline strategic decisions, currency disadvantages, and destination competition. The CNMI’s top tourism experts also cited the complete loss of flights from mainland China.
Despite falling 40% from last year’s totals, the Republic of Korea remained the CNMI’s top source market with 6,905 arrivals in October 2025. MVA reported 59 flights from Seoul in October 2025 compared to 88 a year earlier, and said flight operations have been unstable with Jeju Air and T’way Air frequently suspending or reducing service. MVA said T’way has committed to operate 16 charter flights from Busan to Saipan during peak winter season beginning in January, in addition to daily flights from Seoul. MVA also cited a November promotion with Korea e-commerce platforms G-market and Auction featuring discounted Saipan travel products and a related social media event tied to the “Far From Ordinary” brand message.
Japan was the lone bright spot for the Marianas as the CNMI’s former tourism leader increased to 845 in October 2025, up from 595 in October 2024 for the third consecutive month of growth. The increase is largely credited to the United Airlines direct Tokyo Narita-Saipan flights conducted three times weekly and a more favorable schedule that began October 25. MVA said it is targeting young first-time travelers, mid-senior repeat travelers interested in golf and diving, and sports enthusiasts, while tour agent JTB began selling Marianas travel packages after an August business meeting in Saipan, with more than 100 confirmed bookings to date.
While the local hotel industry continues to hang its collective hopes on the return of the China market, October 2025 arrivals from America’s adversary totaled 1,113, down 5% from a year earlier. MVA calls load factors on Hong Kong Airlines’ twice-weekly direct flights from Hong Kong to Saipan healthy, and believes the market will recover in FY 2026 if the CNMI Economic Vitality & Security Travel Authorization Program (EVS-TAP) continues without interruption.
Despite not marketing to the CNMI’s closest neighbor, MVA reported October arrivals of 891 from Guam, while 596 visited from the United States.
