SAIPAN — The Marianas Visitors Authority has completed its initial assessment of tourism-related infrastructure following Super Typhoon Sinlaku and is moving forward with a phased approach to recovery, the agency said Monday.
MVA Managing Director Jamika R. Taijeron said the agency’s current focus is supporting broader recovery efforts and ensuring community stability before the gradual return of visitors.
“Our focus right now is supporting the broader recovery efforts and making sure our community is stable,” Taijeron said. “We’ve been through difficult moments before, and each time our islands and our people have come back stronger. That same resilience is what will carry us forward.”
The agency said it is closely monitoring conditions on the ground while the islands work to restore essential services such as water and electricity, and while repairs to airport navigational aids are underway.
Taijeron said MVA’s initial assessments show many hotels are in the process of restoration, and those that are operational are prioritizing emergency responders.
“At this time, the priority is ensuring that emergency supplies and personnel can come into the CNMI and be properly accommodated so they can support recovery efforts across the community,” Taijeron said. “As we begin to see restoration of power and water, along with increased hotel availability and overall readiness, we will be in a position to welcome visitors back.”
Three phases
MVA’s recovery framework is structured in three phases.
Phase I covers assessment and stabilization, MVA said. The agency has conducted an initial review of key tourism assets, including the airport, hotel accommodations and visitor sites, to understand current conditions. MVA is also restoring its operations across Saipan, Tinian and Rota while maintaining communication with local and international partners.
Phase II covers communication and confidence building, the agency said. As conditions improve, MVA will provide consistent, transparent updates to industry partners and the traveling public to help restore confidence in the destination. Updates will be shared through official MVA websites in English, Korean and Japanese, including www.mymarianas.com, which will serve as the primary source for verified information on recovery progress and travel readiness.
Phase III covers measured reactivation, MVA said. Once the destination is ready to receive visitors, the agency will begin a phased reactivation of tourism through targeted marketing, trade engagement and promotional efforts aligned with actual capacity and readiness.
Long-term stability
Taijeron said tourism plays a critical role in the CNMI economy, but recovery has to be done the right way.
“We will move forward step by step, staying aligned with our partners and focused on long-term stability,” Taijeron said. “When the time is right, we look forward to welcoming visitors back and sharing the strength and spirit of our islands once again, reminding the world what makes the Marianas truly Far From Ordinary.”