AGP Executive Report

Air Access: Philippine Airlines will restore nonstop Manila–Saipan flights on Oct. 25, running twice weekly (Manila Wed/Sun; Saipan Mon/Thu), a boost for Saipan beach, diving, and history trips after earlier suspensions tied to Saipan airport repairs. Storm Prep: Residents on Saipan and Tinian are urged to finalize preparations for Tropical Storm Choi-wan and shelter from sunset Oct. 1 through sunrise Oct. 3, with heavy rain, flooding, and dangerous surf possible. Tourism Push: The Marianas Visitors Authority joined Tourism Expo Japan 2026 to reconnect with Japanese travel trade partners and keep the islands visible in a key market. Local Culture: Tinian artist Joanne Merrick will unveil “Anticipation,” a conch-shell hand sculpture at the Tinian airport on Oct. 3, with cultural performances and community raffles. Community & Safety: CNMI schools get a new tourism education outreach push, while DVAM events kick off Oct. 2 with a proclamation signing ceremony. Costs & Connectivity: CNMI faces ongoing pressure as PAL waits for recovery conditions, and the Commonwealth Ports Authority freezes airline fee hikes for 60 days to keep routes running.

Tourism Push: The Marianas Visitors Authority joined Tourism Expo Japan 2026 in Tokyo to keep the islands visible to Japanese travelers and strengthen trade ties. New Art at the Airport: Tinian artist Joanne Merrick will unveil her “Anticipation” conch-shell sculpture at the Tinian airport on Oct. 3, with cultural performances and community raffles. Air Access Update: Philippine Airlines will resume Manila–Saipan direct flights Oct. 25 (Manila) and Oct. 26 (Saipan), twice weekly, after waiting for recovery following Super Typhoon Sinlaku. Airline Fees Relief: The Commonwealth Ports Authority voted to freeze planned airline landing fee increases for 60 days to help keep CNMI routes operating. Local Tourism Education: MTEC and MVA kicked off a new school outreach season teaching students that “Tourism Is Everybody’s Business.” CNMI Demographics & Economy: Officials say CNMI is losing about 1,000 residents a year due to limited economic opportunities, raising concerns about the tax base and government sustainability. DVAM Events: CNMI’s Domestic Violence Awareness Month begins Oct. 2 with a proclamation signing in Susupe and a “Reclaiming Hope, Restoring Light” theme.

Air Travel: Philippine Airlines will restart Manila–Saipan flights on Oct. 25, with service twice weekly (Manila Wed/Sun; Saipan Mon/Thu), after Super Typhoon Sinlaku disruptions. Air Connectivity: The Commonwealth Ports Authority voted to freeze scheduled airline fee increases for 60 days (through Nov. 30) to keep carriers from cutting routes amid fuel-cost pressure and a looming deficit. Tourism Education: MTEC and the Marianas Visitors Authority kicked off a new school outreach promoting “Tourism Is Everybody’s Business,” with visits across Saipan schools to encourage students as island ambassadors. DVAM 2026: The Northern Marianas Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Violence announced DVAM events starting Oct. 2, including a proclamation signing in Susupe and a “Reclaiming Hope, Restoring Light” theme. Local Economy & Self-Government: CNMI officials warn the territory is losing about 1,000 residents a year due to limited opportunities, shrinking the private sector and tax base—raising concerns about long-term financial stability. Weather Watch: El Niño may extend a volatile typhoon pattern later into the year, with forecasters urging Marianas residents to stay prepared. Citizenship/Borders: U.S. officials say steps are underway to close visa-free loopholes tied to birth tourism, including scrutiny of Chinese travelers using the CNMI/Guam program. Cost of Getting Around: Gas prices rose in the Marianas (Mobil up 45 cents; diesel down 40 cents), with Tinian and Rota seeing higher pump totals. Community & Culture: A House debate in Guam over whether to move the arts council under the MVA highlights how cultural tourism governance could shape visitor experiences across the Marianas. Business Support: Bank of Hawai’i and the CNMI SBDC Network celebrated 2026 small business grant awardees, providing $5,000 each to help local firms expand after typhoon setbacks.

CNMI Population & Economy Warning: A senior CNMI official told federal partners in San Francisco the Commonwealth is losing about 1,000 residents a year due to lack of economic opportunity, shrinking the private sector and tax base and raising the risk of financial insolvency. Air Connectivity: Philippine Airlines will resume Manila–Saipan flights Oct. 25 (Manila) and Oct. 26 (Saipan), twice weekly, after waiting for recovery from Super Typhoon Sinlaku. Airport Fees Standstill: The Commonwealth Ports Authority paused scheduled airline fee increases for 60 days (through Nov. 30) after carriers warned higher landing fees could force cancellations. Tourism Education Push: MTEC and MVA kicked off the school outreach “Tourism Is Everybody’s Business” across Saipan schools, aiming to turn students into visitor ambassadors. DVAM Events: The Northern Marianas Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Violence announced Domestic Violence Awareness Month activities for October, themed “Reclaiming Hope. Restoring Light,” starting with a proclamation ceremony Oct. 2 in Susupe. Weather Watch: El Niño may extend a volatile typhoon pattern later in the year, with forecasters warning Marianas residents to stay prepared. Local Governance & Culture: Mayors across CNMI opposed proposed seabed mining, citing missing environmental data and unclear benefits; meanwhile, arts leaders urged lawmakers to keep the Commonwealth Council for Arts and Culture independent to protect potential National Endowment for the Arts funding.

CNMI Economy & Self-Government: A new warning says CNMI self-government could fail unless the local economy improves, urging leaders to act fast to restore revenue and essential services. Air Connectivity: Philippine Airlines will resume Manila–Saipan direct flights Oct. 25 (Manila) and Oct. 26 (Saipan), twice weekly, after waiting for conditions to stabilize post-typhoons. Airport Fees: The Commonwealth Ports Authority froze scheduled airline fee increases for 60 days (through Nov. 30) to keep carriers from cutting service amid rising jet fuel costs and financial strain. Tourism Education: MTEC and the Marianas Visitors Authority launched “Tourism Is Everybody’s Business” outreach at multiple Saipan schools, positioning students as future island ambassadors. Weather Watch: El Niño may extend a volatile typhoon pattern later in the year, with NWS Guam stepping up school safety outreach on Saipan. DVAM Events: The CNMI coalition announced Domestic Violence Awareness Month activities for October, themed “Reclaiming Hope. Restoring Light,” starting with a proclamation signing Oct. 2 in Susupe. Hotel Update: Kensington Hotel Saipan remains temporarily closed for repairs after Sinlaku and Bavi, with a reopening planned later this year.

Air Connectivity: Philippine Airlines will restart Manila–Saipan flights on Oct. 25 (Manila departure) with a Saipan departure on Oct. 26, operating twice weekly as PAL waits for CNMI recovery and aims for balanced two-way passenger traffic. Airport Costs: The Commonwealth Ports Authority has frozen scheduled airline fee increases for 60 days (through Nov. 30) after carriers warned higher landing fees could force cancellations. Weather Watch: El Niño may extend a volatile typhoon season into the holidays, with NWS urging Marianas residents to stay prepared. DVAM in CNMI: The Northern Marianas Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Violence kicks off Domestic Violence Awareness Month with a proclamation ceremony Oct. 2 in Susupe, themed “Reclaiming Hope. Restoring Light.” Travel & Stays: Kensington Hotel Saipan is temporarily closed after Sept. 1 storm repairs, with a reopening planned later this year. Local Costs: Gasoline rose 45 cents while diesel fell 40 cents in CNMI, affecting travel budgets.

Birth Tourism Crackdown: A new U.S. Senate bill, the Birth Tourism Elimination Act, would bar some pregnant B-visa applicants by creating a legal presumption they’re coming to give birth for citizenship purposes—part of a broader GOP push after recent court fights. Air Travel: Philippine Airlines will restart direct Manila–Saipan flights on Oct. 25, with twice-weekly service (A321) after Super Typhoon Sinlaku suspended the route. DVAM in CNMI: The Northern Marianas Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Violence kicks off Domestic Violence Awareness Month with a proclamation signing Oct. 2 in Susupe, themed “Reclaiming Hope. Restoring Light.” Health & Licensing: Guam’s medical board approved two incoming doctors (pathologist Dr. Chase Hwang and internal medicine physician Dr. Cortney Rosser). Local Costs: Mobil Oil Marianas raised gasoline prices by 45 cents while diesel fell by 40 cents, squeezing drivers’ budgets. Tourism Governance: A House debate is heating up over whether the Commonwealth Council for Arts and Culture should stay independent or move under the Marianas Visitors Authority. Community Support: Casa Marianas distributed 150+ pallets of pet food and 22,000 pounds of livestock feed across CNMI villages. Power Notice: Tinian residents should expect a scheduled islandwide power interruption Sept. 25, 8:30–9:30 a.m.

Marianas Travel Expansion Buzz: Guam’s RECON anime convention host Antonio Whatley II says the event is slowly growing since 2010 and could expand to bigger venues—and even “tour around the Marianas,” with hopes to draw visitors to Saipan, Rota, or Tinian. CNMI Arts & Tourism Governance: A House debate over the CCAC’s future could shift the Commonwealth Council for Arts and Culture under the Marianas Visitors Authority, sparking pushback from arts leaders and concerns about protecting National Endowment for the Arts funding. Veterans on Tinian & Rota: Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds announced VA funding totaling more than $7.1 million to build new veterans cemeteries on Tinian and Rota. Local Opposition to Seabed Mining: CNMI mayors (Saipan, Tinian/Aguiguan, Rota, Northern Islands) formally oppose proposed seabed mining, citing missing environmental data and unclear benefits. Power & Travel Practicalities: Tinian residents and visitors should note a scheduled islandwide power interruption Friday, Sept. 25, 8:30–9:30 a.m. Hotel/Island Updates: Kensington Hotel Saipan is temporarily closed for repairs after Super Typhoons Sinlaku and Bavi, with a reopening planned later this year. Community Support: Casa Marianas distributed 150+ pallets of pet food and 22,000 pounds of livestock feed across CNMI villages. Safety/Legal Watch: A federal court sentenced an Alaska sex offender to prison plus house arrest for failing to register while living in NMI.

Birth Tourism Crackdown: White House border czar Tom Homan says the Trump administration is working to close a visa-free “loophole” that lets Chinese visitors enter Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands for up to 14 days, amid ongoing legal fights over citizenship at birth. Local Travel & Tourism Watch: Marianas Visitors Authority reports July 2026 arrivals at 4,840, down 66% from July 2025, as the destination continues recovering from April’s Super Typhoon Sinlaku and flight resumptions. Visitor Economy & Access: PAL plans nonstop Manila–Delhi and Manila–Mumbai flights starting December 2026, adding new long-haul connectivity for the region. Power & Trip Planning: CUC schedules a Tinian islandwide power interruption Sept. 25, 8:30–9:30 a.m. (water stays on). Hotels & Stays: Kensington Hotel Saipan is temporarily closed again after Sept. 1 storm repairs, with a reopening planned later this year. Community Support: Casa Marianas distributed 150+ pallets of pet food and 22,000 pounds of livestock feed across CNMI villages.

GVB Court Fight: The Guam Visitors Bureau is pushing back in District Court over the Office of the Attorney General’s attempt to swap in Chief Deputy AG Joseph Guthrie as counsel, amid contempt concerns tied to a “Jane Doe” case. Veterans Funding: CNMI Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds says the VA will invest $7.1M to build new veterans cemeteries on Tinian and Rota, expanding burial options beyond Marpi on Saipan. Mayors vs Seabed Mining: Saipan, Tinian/Aguiguan, Rota, and Northern Islands mayors formally oppose seabed mining, citing missing environmental studies and unclear benefits. Power Alert (Tinian): CUC schedules an islandwide power interruption Sept. 25, 8:30–9:30 a.m. (water stays on). Tourism Numbers: MVA reports Marianas visitor arrivals fell to 4,840 in July 2026, down 66% from July 2025, as recovery continues. Hotel Update (Saipan): Kensington Hotel Saipan is temporarily closed for repairs after Super Typhoons Sinlaku and Bavi, with a later-2026 reopening planned. Local Business Support: NMC and Bank of Hawai’i celebrate CNMI SBDC grant awardees receiving $5,000 each to revitalize small businesses.

GVB Court Fight: The Guam Visitors Bureau is pushing back in federal court over a substitution of counsel, opposing the move to replace Chief Deputy AG Joseph Guthrie—while the case also faces contempt-related arguments tied to filings in a “Jane Doe” lawsuit. Veterans & Travel Infrastructure: CNMI Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds welcomed VA funding totaling more than $7.1 million to build new veterans cemeteries on Tinian and Rota, expanding burial access beyond Marpi on Saipan. Local Tourism & Business Support: Bank of Hawai’i and the CNMI Small Business Development Center Network celebrated 2026 grant awardees, with each recipient receiving $5,000 to revitalize and expand small businesses. Marine Protection vs. Seabed Mining: CNMI mayors (Saipan, Tinian/Aguiguan, Rota, and Northern Islands) formally opposed proposed seabed mining, citing missing environmental data and unclear benefits. Power & Visitor Planning: CUC scheduled an islandwide power interruption on Tinian Sept. 25, 8:30–9:30 a.m. Cost of Getting Around: Mobil Oil Marianas raised gasoline prices by 45 cents while diesel fell by 40 cents, affecting local driving budgets. Hotel Update: Kensington Hotel Saipan is temporarily closed for repairs after Super Typhoons Sinlaku and Bavi, with a reopening planned later this year. Community & Culture: A local musician and more than 300 arts practitioners oppose an executive order that would transfer the Commonwealth Council for Arts and Culture to the Marianas Visitors Authority, warning it could jeopardize federal arts funding.

VA & Community Services: CNMI Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds says the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs will invest more than $7.1 million to build new veterans cemeteries on Tinian and Rota, adding 40 pre-placed crypts at each site to complement Marpi on Saipan. Tourism & Travel Ops: Marianas Visitors Authority reports July 2026 arrivals totaled 4,840, down 66% from July 2025, with South Korea and Japan both sharply lower as recovery continues after Super Typhoon Sinlaku. Local Power & Visitor Planning: CUC scheduled an islandwide power service interruption on Tinian for Sept. 25, 8:30–9:30 a.m., with water continuing. Business & Grants: NMC and Bank of Hawai’i celebrated 2026 Small Business Revitalization & Development Grant winners, awarding $5,000 each to help CNMI firms innovate and expand. Environment & Marine Tourism: Saipan, Tinian/Aguiguan, Rota, and Northern Islands mayors formally oppose proposed seabed mining, citing missing environmental data and unclear benefits. Fuel Costs: Mobil Oil Marianas raised gasoline prices (up 45 cents) while diesel fell (down 40 cents), affecting travel budgets across Saipan, Tinian, and Rota.

CNMI Travel Watch (Guam-CNMI policy & flights): The Guam Office of the Public Auditor says it will scrutinize travel spending by a 30-member Guam delegation to San Francisco and require individual trip accomplishment reports—CNMI also sent a 24-member delegation led by Henry Hofschneider. Air Access: Philippine Airlines plans nonstop Manila-to-Delhi and Manila-to-Mumbai flights starting December 2026, a reminder of how Asia route growth can ripple into Pacific travel demand. Local Visitor Economy: Marianas Visitors Authority reports July 2026 arrivals at 4,840, down 66% from July 2025, with South Korea and Japan still recovering as flight patterns shift. CNMI Community & Tourism Support: Bank of Hawai’i and the CNMI Small Business Development Center Network celebrated 2026 Small Business Revitalization & Development Grant winners, each receiving $5,000 to help businesses innovate and expand. Island Operations: CUC scheduled a Tinian islandwide power interruption Sept. 25, 8:30–9:30 a.m. Environment & Marine Tourism: CNMI mayors (Saipan, Tinian/Aguiguan, Rota, Northern Islands) formally oppose seabed mining, citing missing environmental data and unclear benefits.

Chuseok Travel Treats: Hotels and resorts are leaning into instant, mobile-friendly meal and stay vouchers for last-minute Chuseok gifting, a reminder that visitor-facing hospitality perks can move fast during peak holiday demand. CNMI Business Support: Bank of Hawai’i and the CNMI Small Business Development Center Network celebrated 2026 Small Business Revitalization & Development Grant winners, each receiving $5,000 to help local firms innovate and expand. Local Governance vs. Seabed Mining: Saipan, Tinian/Aguiguan, Rota, and the Northern Islands mayors formally oppose proposed seabed mining, citing missing environmental data and unclear economic benefits. Power & Travel Planning: CUC scheduled a Tinian islandwide power interruption Sept. 25, 8:30–9:30 a.m.; water stays on. Fuel Costs: Mobil gasoline rose 45 cents while diesel fell 40 cents, with higher prices reported on Tinian and Rota. Tourism Numbers: MVA reported 4,840 Marianas arrivals in July 2026, down 66% year-over-year, as recovery continues after Super Typhoon Sinlaku. Community Aid: Casa Marianas distributed 150+ pallets of pet food and 22,000 pounds of livestock feed across villages.

Tourism & Trade: WTTC, JATA and Tourism EXPO Japan signed a new cooperation deal to connect Japan’s travel trade with global tourism leaders, with destinations like Hawaii and Guam highlighted as key markets. CNMI Visitor Numbers: The Marianas Visitors Authority reported 4,840 arrivals in July 2026 (down 66% from July 2025), with South Korea and Japan both showing sharp declines as the destination continues recovering from Super Typhoon Sinlaku. Local Governance & Environment: CNMI mayors from Saipan, Tinian, Rota and the Northern Islands jointly opposed proposed seabed mining in Commonwealth waters, citing missing environmental data and unclear benefits. Arts & Culture: A local musician and more than 300 arts practitioners oppose Gov. Apatang’s executive order moving the Commonwealth Council for Arts and Culture to the Marianas Visitors Authority, warning it could jeopardize NEA funding. Disaster Recovery & Hospitality: Kensington Hotel Saipan is temporarily closed for typhoon repairs and is targeting a reopening later this year. Community Support: CASA Marianas distributed 150+ pallets of pet food and 22,000 pounds of livestock feed across the islands. Military Buildup Pressure: Guam is holding high-stakes talks with about 100 federal officials in San Francisco seeking help managing impacts of the Pacific military expansion. Travel Planning Angle: The U.S. published the 12-country Guam-CNMI visa waiver list, including Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and the UK—potentially easing travel for visitors heading to the region.

Tourism Numbers: The Marianas Visitors Authority reported 4,840 arrivals in July 2026—down 66% from July 2025—as the destination continues recovering from April’s Super Typhoon Sinlaku, with South Korea and Japan both showing steep declines despite some flight resumptions. Visa Boost Push: Guam and CNMI lawmakers unveiled the Marianas Tourism Advancement Act of 2026, aiming to add the Philippines and expand the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program to more countries to drive visitor spending (and not work). Local Travel Economy: A Saipan Chamber of Commerce debate heard calls for “better leadership” as tourist arrivals and utilities remain strained, with speakers pointing to weak economic returns from the military buildup. Seabed Mining Backlash: CNMI mayors from all four municipalities formally opposed proposed seabed mining in Commonwealth waters, citing missing environmental data and unclear benefits—an issue that could shape marine-based tourism. Arts & Culture Funding: A local musician and more than 300 arts practitioners oppose an executive order moving the Commonwealth Council for Arts and Culture under the Marianas Visitors Authority, warning it could jeopardize National Endowment for the Arts funding. Hotel Update: Kensington Hotel Saipan is temporarily closed for typhoon repairs, with a reopening planned later this year. Community Aid for Visitors & Residents: CASA Marianas distributed 150 pallets of pet food and 22,000 pounds of livestock feed across villages, including ongoing distributions on Saipan.