By Bryan Manabat

Copyright mvariety

THE Marianas Visitors Authority is pressing forward with initiatives to restore CNMI visitor numbers despite ongoing challenges, according to MVA Board Chair Warren Villagomez.

The CNMI tourism industry continues to face compounding challenges in 2025, with visitor numbers still lagging pre-pandemic levels and key markets underperforming. Key challenges include low demand and limited air service routes.

Despite these setbacks, Villagomez said MVA remains committed to rebuilding demand and promoting the CNMI as a safe, family-friendly destination. Efforts include marketing campaigns, airline negotiations and infrastructure improvements to support long-term recovery.

“Our overall projection for 2026, based on historical data, looks worse than 2025. But we are not stepping back from our activities to regain the traction CNMI had pre-Covid. We may not reach pre-Covid levels in the next year or two, but we remain positive and proactive, focusing on management realignment, global marketing and increased social media outreach,” Villagomez said.

He noted that MVA will be launching its new global marketing strategy next month.

Villagomez is urging tourism stakeholders, businesses and the community to remain optimistic.

“There is hope, even with many challenges. We thank those who continue to strive and keep their doors open, as well as our local community for supporting businesses and putting their money into local services,” he added.

The MVA management and board of directors met on Tuesday to discuss, among other topics, budget shortfalls, 2026 visitor projections and flight seat updates.

According to MVA, Hong Kong Airlines will resume charter flights to Saipan on Sept. 21.