Chris Concepcion has spent more than a decade in the travel and tourism industry. And now he’s back leading the Marianas Visitors Authority in the CNMI after he left the agency in 2019.

"If not us, who? If not our people here to sort of help fix the islands, who is going to do it," he questioned. 

And there’s a lot to fix.

 

"Number one is destination enhancement," Concepcion said. "We must improve our product. It definitely refers to tourist sites. But it also means the facilities that tourists frequent."

His other goals include providing more outdoor adventure activities, including water sports.

The latest numbers from the MVA show arrivals from South Korea reached 11,189 compared to 4,251 in April last year.

Jeju Air operates twice daily. T’Way flies once daily. And Asiana Airlines resumed four flights a week which are expected to become daily in July through August. Overall, MVA says that “by the end of FY2023 the number of available air seats from Korea is projected to be restored to 80% of the number available before the pandemic.”

"Ultimately, the goal is always to have repeat visitors because that means they are satisfied with the destination," Concepcion said. 

And he has this message to share with investors: "Now is the time. If there is any time to invest in the CNMI because things are just picking up. We are seeing the light at the end of the tunnel."