SAIPAN. CNMI – The Marianas saw 11,957 visitor arrivals in May 2025, a sharp 36% decline from the same month last year, according to new data released by the Marianas Visitors Authority (MVA). Year-to-date arrivals are also down 26% compared to the same period in FY2024.
The drop is attributed to a combination of airline service reductions, ongoing impacts from last year’s aviation accident in Korea, and the continued suspension of Chinese visitor travel under the EVS-TAP program.
South Korea Remains Largest Market—But Also Declines
South Korea remained the top source market with 9,181 arrivals, a 31% decrease from May 2024. The Marianas received 67 flights from Korea, down from 102 flights during the same period last year.
Key airline service changes included:
-T’way Air: Maintained daily service (30 flights), but suspended all flights from June 9 to July 6.
-Jeju Air: Reduced to one daily flight after May 9.
-Asiana Airlines: Fully exited the market in July 2024 due to a pending merger with Korean Air.
MVA pointed to global aircraft shortages, particularly Boeing delivery delays, as further intensifying competition for routes. Relief is not expected until new aircraft deliveries in 2026.
Japan Recovery Slows
Arrivals from Japan totaled 573 visitors, down from 859 last May. United Airlines’ schedule change on May 1 resulted in less favorable flight times, though the airline is expected to restore a more traveler-friendly timetable by November 2025.
The strong U.S. Dollar also continues to limit outbound travel from Japan.
China Arrivals Collapse Amid EVS-TAP Suspension
Arrivals from China dropped to just 183 visitors—a 91% plunge from the 2,061 recorded in May 2024.
The dramatic decline followed the suspension of EVS-TAP application processing in April by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The program previously allowed prescreened Chinese travelers visa-free access to the CNMI under specific guidelines.
In response, stakeholders including the Office of Governor Arnold I. Palacios, Congresswoman Kimberlyn King-Hinds, and organizations such as HANMI-Hotel Association of the Northern Mariana Islands and the Saipan Chamber of Commerce have pushed for federal resolution.
Prior to the pandemic, Chinese travelers represented nearly half of all arrivals to the Marianas.
Visitor Numbers by Other Markets (May 2025)
-Guam: 952 visitors
-United States: 700 visitors
-Other markets combined: 368 visitors
MVA stated it is continuing work with the CNMI government, Commonwealth Ports Authority, and airline partners to retain existing air service and improve frequency during peak travel periods.
