Few tourists in CNMI during Bavi as visitor numbers remain low after Sinlaku

The number of tourists in the Northern Mariana Islands during the height of Super Typhoon Bavi was minimal, with no significant visitor-related concerns reported despite temporary flight disruptions, according to the Marianas Visitors Authority.

"There were a minimal number of tourists during Bavi, and no concerns were reported to the MVA coming from flight disruption. United provided extra flights on Saturday for anyone needing to get to Guam, and Jeju resumes tonight (July 8)," the MVA said in a short statement to Marianas Press.

The relatively small number of visitors reflects the slow recovery of the CNMI's tourism industry following Super Typhoon Sinlaku in April. MVA reported that visitor arrivals totaled just 2,171 in May 2026, an 82% decline from the 11,960 recorded in May 2025 after Sinlaku forced the temporary suspension of all international flights.

South Korea, traditionally the CNMI's largest tourism market, accounted for only 23 visitors in May, while arrivals from Japan fell to 87 and China to just 18. The United States market, by contrast, grew to 1,104 arrivals, largely driven by disaster response personnel, utility crews and other recovery workers rather than leisure travelers.

The situation was a stark contrast to Sinlaku, when about 400 tourists were stranded across the CNMI after all four international airlines serving Saipan suspended flights ahead of the powerful storm. Hotels coordinated with government agencies and airlines to house visitors until commercial flights resumed.

International air service is gradually returning as the tourism sector rebuilds, with Hong Kong Airlines resuming Saipan service on July 12, United Airlines restarting Tokyo Narita flights on Aug. 2, and Philippine Airlines scheduled to resume direct Manila-Saipan service in October.