The Marianas Visitors Authority has unveiled a concept to transform Saipan’s historic Japanese Lighthouse into a visitor and cultural experience center while encouraging businesses, government agencies and community organizations to help create new tourism experiences across the Northern Mariana Islands.
The lighthouse property on Navy Hill was recently awarded to the MVA by the Department of Public Lands for use as the agency’s future headquarters. Under the concept, the site would also serve as an immersive cultural and visitor attraction where guests can experience Chamorro and Carolinian culture, interact with local artisans, enjoy scenic views and learn about the islands’ history and traditions.
MVA Board Chairman Warren Villagomez said the proposal represents more than a single development project.
“This is a vision for the kind of destination we need to become,” Villagomez said. He added that the concept demonstrates how existing public and private assets can be transformed into visitor experiences that showcase the Marianas’ culture, history, natural beauty and communities.
According to the MVA, increasing global competition and rising airline operating costs have heightened the need for destinations to offer unique experiences beyond traditional sightseeing. Villagomez said the challenge is no longer simply attracting visitor attention but giving travelers compelling reasons to choose the Marianas over competing destinations.
MVA Product Development Manager Raquel Aguon said the islands’ strengths in nature, culture, history and adventure create opportunities for experiences that cannot easily be duplicated elsewhere. Potential tourism products could include guided nature tours, birdwatching excursions, cultural immersion activities, farm tours, local food experiences, craft workshops and community-based tourism programs.
The agency is encouraging entrepreneurs, cultural practitioners, nonprofit organizations and government agencies to collaborate on new attractions and experiences that align with the Marianas tourism brand and strengthen the destination’s long-term competitiveness.
MVA Marketing Manager Andy Qin said the lighthouse concept is intended to spark a broader conversation about tourism development as the islands continue recovering from Super Typhoon Sinlaku. He emphasized that while the MVA leads destination marketing efforts, successful tourism development depends on community participation and investment in visitor experiences.
“Recovery is not just about restoring what existed before,” Qin said. “It is about creating a stronger, more distinctive destination for the future.”
The MVA also acknowledged the role of local government agencies and organizations in maintaining parks, beaches, trails and historic sites that help form the foundation of the visitor experience.
Site clearing at the lighthouse began this month, with design planning, renovation work and office relocation expected to follow. The MVA anticipates moving into the property before December, while full development of the visitor and cultural experience center will depend on available funding.
