The Marianas Visitors Authority (MVA) has revealed the full impact that Super Typhoon Yutu had on the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), with the number of people arriving in Saipan, Tinian and Rota plummeting to just 5,595 through the entirety of November.
The figure represents a devastating 88.6% decline on the 48,950 arrivals in the same month in 2017, although the MVA says operations are quickly returning to normal through December
“In November 2018 the Marianas saw the full impact of Super Typhoon Yutu, with almost all flights cancelled during the month,” MVA Managing Director Christopher A. Concepcion said.
“Fortunately, our recovery has been tremendous and faster than originally expected. In December we are seeing most flights restored, and we are looking forward to a solid holiday travel period and full recovery over the next couple months.”
Saipan’s lone casino operator, Imperial Pacific International, was forced to lay off dozens of staff last month due to the lack of visitation to its Imperial Pacific Resort.
IPI stated at the time, “The entire community is suffering and has had to make difficult decisions because of Yutu’s natural disaster and its dire effects.
“One of the most devastating effects to businesses has been the impact to tourism – no customers.
“Given this current situation, many employees are faced with either reduced work hours or have been laid off. Imperial Pacific has not been spared from this. The company has determined that because of the lack of tourists on the island, it has no choice but to operate on limited hours with minimal staff.
The impact on visitation in November included an 85% fall in those from China to 2,400, 98% decline in Korean visitation to 531 and 97% fall from Japan to just 126. Flights from Hong Kong, Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou and Hangzhou have now all resumed normal service, the MVA said.
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