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The Marianas Visitors Authority (MVA), the official tourism board of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands
(CNMI), has welcomed Continental Airlines’ decision to launch non-stop flights between Hong Kong and Saipan, the capital of
CNMI. Beginning November 1, 2004, passengers on flight CO910, will fly direct from Hong Kong to Saipan, then continue to Guam after
about an hour stop-over in Saipan. The returning flight, CO909, will fly from Guam to Saipan for passenger pick-up, then directly
back to Hong Kong.
Ms Victoria Benavente, Managing Director of MVA said, “Continental Airlines’ decision to operate a non-stop service to Saipan
from Hong Kong is excellent news for visitors to the Marianas – Saipan, Tinian, and Rota. The increase in accessibility shortens
their travel time and allows for travelers to explore our destinations’ attractions. With the direct flights, we welcome our Hong
Kong vacationers and invite them to create their adventure either through sports tourism, gourmet, cuisine, entertainment,
health, spa, and beauty.”
China (including Hong Kong) is a key growth market for the MVA. It posted a tremendous increase in visitor arrivals with a
record breaking total of 4,405 for the month of August which is its greatest gain in fiscal year 2004. (Visitors in August 2003 were
1,485.) In fiscal year 2003 visitor arrivals totaled 13,368 for China and in fiscal year 2004 (ending the 30th of September) the
arrival figures are expected to double.
Ms Benavente added, “The MVA is gearing up for the anticipated influx of Hong Kong tourists. Our members have begun to
invest in upgrading their services and facilities to welcome these tourists. For instance, the DFS Galleria in Saipan has been
doing reconnaissance trips and planning to train staff in Chinese language and culture so as to provide even better services.
Renewal projects, such as the Garapan Revitalization project includes the pedestrian walkway in the Garapan district, a popular
attraction for visitors.”
Mark A Erwin, President and Chief Executive Officer of Continental Micronesia at Continental Airlines said,
“We are delighted to see the investment by the CNMI. We have observed the demand from tourists to visit the CNMI and the large potential of the
market. We, therefore, decided to launch this direct flight between Hong Kong and Saipan. Continental Airlines is committed to
making travel more convenient for our customers and we also would like to support the efforts of the CNMI government and its
people.”
In addition, Continental Airline and Cape Air forged a partnership in the summer this year, through its Continental Connection
program to provide more flights within the CNMI and the Micronesia. The increase in accessibility for inter-island travel provides
a more efficient and comfortable choice to the travelers.
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