In good news for tourism in the Northern Mariana Islands, Hong Kong Airlines plans to resume its Hong Kong–Saipan service on July 12.
The route will be China’s only direct service to Saipan. China Travel News, which first reported the plans, said Chinese citizens with a previous U.S. visa refusal may face restrictions when entering Saipan.
According to Journal files, the process for Chinese applicants to obtain a U.S. visa suffers delays.
The airline will operate the route with Airbus A320 family aircraft, maintaining two weekly flights. Outbound services will depart on Thursdays and Sundays, with return flights on Mondays and Fridays, consistent with the route's previous seasonal schedule and allowing travelers to plan either a five-day, three-night or six-day, four-night island getaway.
In other tourism related news, Jamika Taijeron, managing director of the Marianas Visitors Authority has “exited” MVA, according to a release. The paper has asked for comment, and if a search committee to replace Taijeron will be organized. In the meantime, long-time Deputy Managing Director Judy C. Torres will be acting managing director.
Torres recently was recognized with the Pacific Asia Travel Association’s Order of Merit. The Guam Visitors Bureau was also recognized as a longstanding member of PATA for more than 70 years. Regine Bisco Lee, CEO and president of GVB, accepted the award at the PATA Annual Summit in Pohang, Korea. MVA did not attend, though entitled to recognition. PATA recognized members with more than 50, 60 and 70 years of membership. mbj
