AGP Executive Report

Air Service & Tourism Recovery: The Marianas Visitors Authority says Philippine Airlines will resume direct Manila–Saipan flights in October (night operations at Saipan’s airport expected June 20), a delay that lawmakers were told reflects fragile capacity after Super Typhoon Sinlaku and limited hotel room availability. Air Service Continuity: MVA also approved a $1.5M sole-source contract to preserve summer South Korea–Saipan air service, pending Attorney General review and Jeju Air acceptance. Funding for Visitors: A compromise bill restores full MVA tourism-recovery funding and adds an inter-island travel subsidy, after concerns that cutting MVA support would cost the Commonwealth more than it saves. Hotel Spotlight: Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan earned Tripadvisor’s 2026 “Best of the Best” recognition. Community & Sports: CNMI pickleball momentum continues as local players prepare for the 2026 Pickleball World Cup, and the first-ever Guam Marianas Dumau Open BJJ tournament is set for June 20. Safety & Services: A new commanding officer took over the Marine Safety Unit Saipan, continuing Coast Guard prevention and response work across the northern islands. Local Travel Planning: A family-focused guide highlights how to enjoy nature and national parks safely this summer, with Saipan included among U.S. park destinations.

Aviation & Tourism Recovery: The Marianas Visitors Authority board approved a $1.5M sole-source deal to keep South Korea–Saipan summer flights running, though it still needs Attorney General review and Jeju Air acceptance—key support as the CNMI rebuilds after Super Typhoon Sinlaku. Air Service Update: Philippine Airlines’ direct Manila–Saipan return has been pushed to October, with MVA citing the route’s importance for leisure, business, and medical travel—while lawmakers hear that hotel capacity is still tight due to recovery teams. Tourism Funding: Conferees agreed on a compromise tobacco-settlement bill to restore full MVA tourism-recovery funding and add inter-island support for Rota and Tinian. Hotel Spotlight: Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan earned Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice “Best of the Best” 2026 recognition. Community Sports & Travel: CNMI’s Pickleball Federation named six players for the 2026 Pickleball World Cup in Vietnam, but the team size could drop if fundraising falls short. Regional Travel Policy: CNMI and Guam are urging federal officials to add the Philippines to the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program to boost nearby visitor access.

Coast Guard Leadership: Lt. Gabriel LaMartina took command of the U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit Saipan, continuing the unit’s prevention and response work across the Marianas, including Super Typhoon Sinlaku recovery support. Tourism Funding: CNMI lawmakers restored full Marianas Visitors Authority tourism recovery funding in a compromise bill, aiming to protect jobs and visitor services while also directing support to Rota and Tinian. Hotel Spotlight: Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan earned Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice “Best of the Best” 2026 recognition (Top Hotels in South Pacific). Pickleball Push: The Pickleball Federation of the Northern Mariana Islands named six Open Division players for the 2026 Pickleball World Cup in Da Nang, but says fundraising could shrink the team from six to four. Travel Policy: Guam and CNMI urged federal officials to add the Philippines to the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program to boost regional visitor access. Disaster Readiness: Officials reported major progress restoring power and water after Super Typhoon Sinlaku, while tsunami advisories remained in effect for Guam and CNMI after a 7.8 quake near the Philippines. Missing Persons Update: Federal officials are reviewing a new online video tied to the 2011 disappearance of Saipan sisters Faloma and Maleina Luhk.

Maritime Safety Leadership: Lt. Gabriel LaMartina took command of U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit Saipan, continuing the unit’s prevention and response work across Saipan, Tinian, and Rota, including major support during Super Typhoon Sinlaku. Tourism Funding & Recovery: Lawmakers restored full Marianas Visitors Authority tourism recovery funding in a compromise bill, after earlier cuts raised concerns it would cost the Commonwealth more than it saved; MVA also says key facilities are reopening and more flights are expected to resume this month. Hotel Spotlight: Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan earned Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice “Best of the Best” 2026 recognition (Top Hotels in South Pacific). Pickleball Travel Push: CNMI’s Pickleball Federation named six Open Division players for the 2026 World Cup in Da Nang, but fundraising may shrink the team from six to four. Visa-Free Tourism Bid: Guam and CNMI urged federal officials to add the Philippines to the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program to boost regional travel demand. Disaster Readiness: Officials reported progress restoring power and water after Sinlaku, while tsunami advisories remained in effect for Guam and CNMI after a 7.8 quake near the Philippines.

Tourism Funding & Recovery: The Marianas Visitors Authority is set to keep its full tourism recovery appropriation after a compromise on House Bill 24-96, with lawmakers also routing money to Rota, Tinian, Saipan, and the Public School System—an effort to protect visitor-facing jobs and services as the islands prepare for more arrivals. Hotel Spotlight: Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan earned Tripadvisor’s 2026 Travelers’ Choice “Best of the Best” recognition, ranking No. 16 in South Pacific top hotels. Flights & Visitor Growth: MVA says recovery is accelerating after Super Typhoon Sinlaku, with major tourism facilities reopening and airline resumption dates including Jeju Air (June 20), United (Aug. 2), and more service planned. Inter-island & Community Sports: CNMI pickleball is gearing up for the 2026 World Cup in Vietnam, but fundraising could shrink the team from six players to four. Safety & Travel Disruption Watch: After a 7.8 quake near the Philippines, tsunami advisories were issued for Guam and CNMI, with officials warning of hazardous ocean conditions and strong currents. Regional Travel Policy: Guam and CNMI are pushing for visa-free travel for Filipinos via the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program to boost tourism and air connectivity. Local Human Interest: Federal officials are reviewing a video tied to the 2011 disappearance of Saipan sisters Faloma Luhk and Maleina Luhk. Pension Uncertainty: CNMI retirees were warned the 25% supplemental pension benefit may stop after July 31, 2026.

Tourism Funding: CNMI lawmakers restored full Marianas Visitors Authority (MVA) tobacco-settlement funding in a compromise bill, while adding targeted support for Rota and Tinian—aimed at protecting tourism recovery jobs and services. Hotel Spotlight: Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan earned Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice “Best of the Best” 2026 recognition (Top Hotels in the South Pacific). MVA Recovery & Flights: MVA says tourism momentum is building after Super Typhoon Sinlaku, with major reopenings and announced flight resumption dates (Jeju Air June 20; Hong Kong Airlines expected July; United Aug. 2; Philippine Airlines October). Visa Push for Visitors: CNMI and Guam urged federal officials to expand the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program to include Filipinos to boost regional travel demand. Pickleball Travel & Sport: CNMI’s Pickleball Federation selected six Open Division players for the 2026 Pickleball World Cup in Da Nang, but final delegation size depends on fundraising. Safety Watch: After a powerful Philippines earthquake, tsunami advisories remain in effect for Guam and CNMI, with officials warning of hazardous ocean conditions and strong currents. Community Note: The FBI is reviewing a video tied to the 2011 disappearance of Saipan sisters Faloma and Maleina Luhk. Local Loss: Obituary: Edward Thames Turner, a Navy Seabee who served in Saipan and Tinian during WWII.

Tourism Funding Fight: CNMI lawmakers restored full Marianas Visitors Authority tourism recovery funding in a compromise on House Bill 24-96, after earlier Senate cuts that would have reduced MVA support. Hotel Spotlight: Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan earned Tripadvisor’s 2026 “Best of the Best” ranking (No. 16 in Top Hotels in the South Pacific), based on guest reviews. Super Typhoon Recovery: MVA says Marianas tourism is moving into a stronger recovery phase after Sinlaku, with key facilities reopening and airlines announcing resumption dates (Jeju Air June 20; United Aug. 2; Hong Kong in July; Philippine Airlines in October). Inter-Island & Sports Travel: CNMI pickleball players were selected for the 2026 Pickleball World Cup in Da Nang, but the delegation size may drop from six to four if fundraising falls short. Pension Uncertainty: CNMI retirees were notified that the 25% supplemental pension benefit will stop after July 31, 2026, with Finance citing insufficient funds for the Aug. 15 payment. Missing Persons Update: Federal officials are reviewing a new online video tied to the 2011 disappearance of Saipan sisters Faloma and Maleina Luhk. Safety Watch: After a major Philippines earthquake, tsunami advisories for Guam and CNMI were later lifted, though officials still warn of dangerous rip currents and coastal hazards.

Visa-Free Push: Guam and CNMI governors are urging the U.S. to add the Philippines to the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program, arguing it would boost tourism, strengthen regional ties, and improve air connectivity for island economies. Tsunami Update: After a powerful Philippines earthquake, a tsunami advisory for Guam and CNMI was later lifted, though officials still warn about dangerous rip currents and hazardous coastal conditions. Pickleball Path to Vietnam: CNMI’s Pickleball Federation selected six Open Division athletes for the 2026 Pickleball World Cup in Da Nang, but the final team size may drop if fundraising falls short. Tourism Funding Watch: Marianas Visitors Authority leaders are weighing tobacco settlement fund spending to keep tourism-linked support flowing for workers, small businesses, and services. Air Travel Changes: United’s Micronesia/Palau/Saipan Island Hopper service will shift to all-MAX 8 operations by early October 2026, with route-specific timing updates. BJJ on the Calendar: The first-ever Guam Marianas Dumau Open BJJ tournament is set for June 20 at the University of Guam.

Sports & Community: The first-ever Guam Marianas Dumau Open Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu tournament is set for June 20 at the University of Guam Calvo Field House, with Gi and No-Gi divisions for kids, teens, adults, and masters. Local Sports (CNMI): CNMI’s Pickleball Federation has selected six Open Division athletes for the 2026 Pickleball World Cup in Da Nang (Aug. 30–Sept. 6), but the team size could drop from six to four if fundraising falls short. Aviation & Travel Access: Philippine Airlines says it will resume Manila–Saipan service in June, with nighttime international operations targeted for June 20 and flights returning June 22, after Super Typhoon Sinlaku disruptions. Tourism Policy: Guam and CNMI governors are again urging the U.S. to add the Philippines to the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program to boost regional travel and tourism. Safety Update: After a powerful Philippines earthquake, a tsunami advisory for Guam and CNMI was later lifted, though officials still warn of hazardous ocean conditions and strong currents. Hotel Offers: Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan is promoting June dining specials and events, including Father’s Day brunch and ongoing weekend entertainment. Government Finance: CNMI retirees are set to lose the 25% pension benefit after July 31, 2026, as funding shortfalls are cited.

CNMI Tourism & Air Access: Guam and CNMI governors are again pushing the U.S. to add the Philippines to the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program, arguing it would boost tourism, strengthen regional ties, and improve air connectivity for the islands. Flight Updates: Philippine Airlines says it’s suspending Manila–Saipan service until Oct. 22, 2026, while also adjusting Cebu–Osaka flights; passengers can rebook, take travel credits, or request refunds. Recovery & Utilities: CNMI officials report major progress after Super Typhoon Sinlaku, including near-complete re-energizing of Saipan’s primary power lines and improving water service. Safety Watch: After a powerful Philippines earthquake, tsunami advisories for Guam and CNMI were later lifted, but beach hazards and strong currents/rip risks remain. Sports & Community: CNMI’s Pickleball Federation selected six Open Division athletes for the 2026 Pickleball World Cup in Vietnam, though the final team size depends on fundraising. Local Governance & Funding: Lawmakers and tourism stakeholders are weighing how changes to tourism-linked funding could affect CNMI’s economy.

Missing Persons: Federal authorities are reviewing a new online video claiming to show missing Saipan sister Faloma Luhk, reigniting attention on the 2011 disappearance of Faloma and her sibling Maleina. Tourism Funding: MVA leaders are pushing to protect tobacco settlement fund spending tied to tourism jobs and services, after a Senate version cut the MVA allotment. Sports & Travel: CNMI’s Pickleball Federation selected six Open Division athletes for the 2026 Pickleball World Cup in Vietnam, but the final team size may drop if fundraising falls short. Air Access: Philippine Airlines’ Manila–Saipan service is expected to resume in June as airport night operations restart, while the airline also announced later schedule suspensions on other routes. Regional Travel Policy: Guam and CNMI governors are again urging the U.S. to add the Philippines to the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program to boost tourism and air connectivity. Disaster Updates: After a powerful Philippines earthquake, tsunami advisories for Guam and CNMI were lifted, though hazardous rip currents remain possible; meanwhile, CNMI officials report major progress restoring power and water after Typhoon Sinlaku.

Pickleball Push: CNMI’s Pickleball Federation named six Open Division athletes for the 2026 Pickleball World Cup in Da Nang, but the team size could drop from six to four if fundraising falls short. Tourism Access: Guam and CNMI governors renewed their push for the Philippines to be added to the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program, aiming to boost regional travel and air service. Flight Updates: Philippine Airlines says it will resume Manila–Saipan service in June after Super Typhoon Sinlaku recovery work, with nighttime operations targeted for June 20 and flights returning June 22. Airline Reshuffle: United Airlines will move up its Micronesia/Palau/Saipan 737 MAX 8 transition, with Guam–Saipan MAX 8 starting July 19. Safety First: After a powerful Philippines earthquake, tsunami advisories for Guam and CNMI were later lifted, but officials still warned of hazardous ocean conditions and strong currents. Resilience & Lodging: Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan announced June dining promos, while BOX House and Triple J Real Estate rolled out rapidly deployable and temporary housing options for Sinlaku-displaced residents.

Pickleball & Sports Tourism: The Northern Mariana Islands Pickleball Federation has named six Open Division players for the 2026 Pickleball World Cup in Da Nang, Vietnam (Aug. 30–Sept. 6)—Mikayla Lopez, Chelsea Henzon, Joan Henzon, Ernie Henzon, Sean Ficke, and Richard Asuncion—but the CNMI delegation could shrink from six to four if fundraising falls short. Travel Access & Regional Air Links: Guam and CNMI leaders are again pushing the U.S. to add the Philippines to the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program, arguing it would boost tourism, strengthen ties with a treaty ally, and improve air connectivity. Airport Recovery & Flight Updates: Philippine Airlines says it plans to resume Manila–Saipan service in June, with nighttime international operations targeted to restart June 20 and PAL flights returning June 22, after Super Typhoon Sinlaku damage. Tourism Numbers: Marianas visitor arrivals plunged 72% in April to 3,277, with stakeholders looking to summer for recovery as flights restart. Hotel Demand: HANMI reports March hotel occupancy at 29.47% (down from 34.73% a year earlier), with some properties reopening as international flights are expected to resume June 20. Safety Watch: A tsunami advisory for Guam and CNMI was lifted, though officials still warn of hazardous rip currents and sea conditions.

Visa push for Philippine travelers: Guam and CNMI governors are again urging the U.S. to add the Philippines to the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program, arguing it would boost tourism, strengthen regional ties, and improve air connectivity for an island economy. Tsunami watch update: After a powerful Mindanao earthquake, a tsunami advisory for Guam and CNMI was later lifted, but officials still warn of hazardous ocean conditions and dangerous rip currents. Air travel changes: United Airlines is moving up its 737 MAX 8 upgrades across Micronesia routes, while Philippine Airlines’ Manila–Saipan service is expected to resume in June after Super Typhoon Sinlaku, though other PAL routes were suspended into late 2026. Tourism recovery numbers: Visitor arrivals in April fell 72% year over year after Sinlaku, and hotel occupancy in March averaged about 29%, with stakeholders pointing to June 20 airport repairs as a key restart date. On-island recreation: LaoLao Bay Golf & Resort is reopening limited play on Saipan, signaling a gradual return of visitor-friendly activities. Sports abroad: The CNMI Pickleball Federation named its Open Division team for the 2026 Pickleball World Cup in Vietnam, with final delegation size depending on fundraising.

Tsunami Update for CNMI/Guam: After a powerful Mindanao earthquake, a tsunami advisory for Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands was lifted, but officials still warn of hazardous ocean conditions and strong rip currents along local beaches and coastal waters. Air Travel—United Airlines: United is upgrading its Micronesia/Palau/Saipan Island Hopper service to all-MAX 8, with the Guam–Saipan route starting July 19. Visa Waiver Push: Guam Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero and CNMI Gov. David Apatang are urging the U.S. to add the Philippines to the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program to boost tourism and regional connectivity. PAL Route Changes: Philippine Airlines is suspending Manila–Saipan service until Oct. 22, 2026, while also adjusting other regional routes; separately, airport recovery targets point to PAL resuming Manila–Saipan in June. Tourism Recovery Numbers: Visitor arrivals in April fell 72% to 3,277 after Super Typhoon Sinlaku, while hotel occupancy in March averaged about 29%. Resort Reopening: LaoLao Bay Golf & Resort is reopening limited golf operations on Saipan, signaling a gradual return of visitor activities. CNMI Community Support: BOX House is donating rapidly deployable homes for Sinlaku-displaced residents, and Triple J is offering temporary housing relief options.

Visa Waiver Push: Guam Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero and CNMI Gov. David Apatang are urging the U.S. to add the Philippines to the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Programme, arguing it would boost tourism, strengthen regional ties, and improve air connectivity as Philippine Airlines prepares to resume Manila–Saipan service. Air Service Update: PAL says it’s suspending Manila–Saipan until Oct. 22, 2026, but CNMI airport officials target nighttime international operations at Saipan’s Francisco C. Ada/Saipan International Airport to restart June 20, with PAL flights resuming June 22. Tourism Shock: The Marianas Visitors Authority reports April visitor arrivals fell 72% to 3,277 after Super Typhoon Sinlaku disrupted flights and damaged airport infrastructure. Recovery on the Ground: LaoLao Bay Golf & Resort reopens June 6 with limited 18-hole operations, while BOX House/Ready Pod is donating rapidly deployable homes for Sinlaku-displaced CNMI residents. Local Culture: United Filipino Organization cancels this year’s Pistang Pinoy festivities, replacing them with a simple flag-raising ceremony on June 12. Weather & Planning: NOAA budget cuts proposed for 2027 could reduce Pacific weather forecasting and coastal resilience programs, raising concerns for island preparedness.