19 Oct 2007

CNMI reports major drop in tourist arrivals from Japan

11:05 am on 19 October 2007

Japanese arrivals in the Commonwealth of Northern Marianas has dropped by 43 percent in September, compared to the same time last year.

Overall arrivals in the Commonwealth in 2007 are down by 22 percent.

The Saipan Tribune reports the latest data from the Marianas Visitors Authority saw Japanese arrivals last month total just 12,794, compared to 22,550 for September 2006.

The last time Japan arrivals dipped that low was in November 1998.

The sharp decline in Japan arrivals continues to be attributed to the loss of air seats out of the Japan market.

However Korean arrivals continue to soar, growing by 34 percent compared to the same period last year.