AGP Executive Report
Last update: 8 hours agoTourism Recovery: Jeju Air resumed direct Seoul–Saipan flights on Sunday, the first international service in over two months after Super Typhoon Sinlaku, with four weekly flights through Oct. 25 and daily service during peak periods—CNMI tourism officials say keeping air links and improving the visitor experience are key to rebuilding arrivals. Visitor Economy Pressure: CNMI leaders warned Congress the islands are staring at just 104,511 visitor arrivals for FY2026 (about 17% of the 607,000 seen in 2018), with hotel occupancy taxes down about 90%—a “difficult cycle” tied to flight capacity. Power & Cost Focus: Former Gov. Ralph DLG Torres says his recovery priority would be stabilizing Saipan’s power system via a new power plant plus expanded renewables, criticizing the current administration over a generator purchase. Legislative Funding: The U.S. House passed compromise bills to fund Sinlaku relief and Marianas Visitors Authority tourism recovery, including tobacco settlement support for MVA. Business Opportunities: Saipan Chamber of Commerce will host a free Mentor-Protégé Indo-Pacific workshop July 20 on federal contracting pathways. Utilities Watch: CUC reported a $731,518 year-to-date cash flow deficit through April 30, 2026, as liabilities rose. Infrastructure Update: CUC says Saipan is moving off FEMA generators as wells and a sewage lift station connect to the grid, aiming for full generator removal. Visa Policy Debate: CNMI stakeholders urged keeping EVS-TAP for Chinese travelers, arguing it’s tied to restoring air service and tourism demand.
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