China is Top Source Market in September
Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands — The Marianas welcomed 5,051 visitors in September 2026, a slight increase from August, as the destination continued efforts to rebuild international air service and strengthen visitor arrivals following Super Typhoon Sinlaku in April.
China became the destination’s top source market in September, recording a 95% increase in visitor arrivals compared to September 2025. The continued operation of direct flights from South Korea, Japan, and Hong Kong also provided an important foundation for rebuilding tourism.
September arrivals remained 30% below the 7,266 visitors recorded in September 2025. Total visitor arrivals for Fiscal Year 2026 reached 99,476, compared to 160,640 in the previous fiscal year, reflecting a 38% decline. The decrease reflects the significant challenges experienced by the tourism industry throughout the fiscal year, particularly disruptions to international flight operations following Super Typhoon Sinlaku, reduced airline seat capacity, unfavorable currency exchange rates, and rising fuel costs affecting travel affordability in key source markets.
South Korea Market
South Korea remains a key market for the Marianas, with 1,137 visitor arrivals recorded in September 2026, compared to 4,065 during the same month last year.
The difference largely reflects reduced airline seat capacity. In September 2025, the Marianas benefited from daily Jeju Air flights and additional services by Jeju Air and T'way Air. Jeju Air currently operates four weekly flights between Seoul and Saipan, with service scheduled to continue through March 2027. Maintaining and potentially expanding air service from South Korea remains an important priority for MVA as it works with airline and travel industry partners to rebuild visitor arrivals.
Japan Market
Japan recorded 444 visitor arrivals in September 2026, compared to 556 during the same period last year. United Airlines' three weekly nonstop flights between Tokyo Narita and Saipan provide an important connection to the Japanese market. MVA continues to strengthen its engagement with Japanese travel partners and promote the Marianas as a destination offering unique cultural, historical, and nature-based experiences.
China Market
The China market demonstrated continued growth in September, with monthly arrivals increasing 95% to 1,328 visitors, compared to 680 during the same month last year. For Fiscal Year 2026, visitor arrivals from China increased 20% compared to the previous fiscal year, making it one of the destination's stronger-performing source markets.
Yesterday (Oct. 27) the U.S. Department of Homeland Security suddenly announced the suspension of processing of the CNMI Economic Vitality & Security Travel Authorization Program (EVS-TAP) effective Friday (Oct. 30). EVS-TAP is administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and allows eligible, pre-screened nationals of the People's Republic of China to travel to the CNMI without a visa under specified conditions. The China market historically represented approximately 44% of visitor arrivals to the Marianas, highlighting its importance to the destination's long-term tourism recovery.
Hong Kong Airlines currently operates two weekly flights between Hong Kong and Saipan, supporting continued access to the market. A large percentage of Chinese visitors also fly to the Marianas via Seoul.
Other Markets
Additional visitor arrivals in September included:
- United States: 1,239 visitors
- Guam: 618 visitors
- Other Markets (Combined): 285 visitors
The increase in visitors from the United States was largely attributed to the arrival of a military vessel in Saipan during September, which contributed to the overall visitor count for the month.
United Airlines continues to provide daily direct flights between Guam and Saipan, while Philippine Airlines is scheduled to resume nonstop Manila-Saipan service on October 25, 2026, further expanding international connectivity.
The MVA said increase of air service across key source markets - as well as the development of new products, services, and experiences to enhance the visitor experience – are both essential for improving visitor arrivals and the Marianas’ tourism recovery.
