The Marianas Visitors Authority on Tuesday approved a $400,000 sole‑source contract with Philippine Airlines, formalizing a new push to develop the Philippines as a major tourism market for the CNMI.
Acting MVA Managing Director Judy C. Torres said the Attorney General’s Office has cleared the justification memo, allowing the agency to move forward with the agreement covering air service support and joint marketing for the 2026 winter and 2027 summer seasons. She said the partnership is part of MVA’s effort to diversify source markets as PAL prepares to resume direct Manila–Saipan flights on Oct. 26.
Acting chairwoman Vicky Benavente and board members Joe Guerrero, Sachiko Gerrard, Kwang Joong (Tommy) Kim, and Marvin Deleon Guerrero voted to approve the contract. Board member Chris Nelson, attending from Japan, participated but could not vote under MVA regulations.
Guerrero said PAL’s entry into the Marianas would strengthen both tourism and community travel, noting the airline’s global network and competitive fares. He described the partnership as a strategic step toward reaching new regional and long‑haul markets.
The contract allocates funding for seasonal air service and marketing from Oct. 25, 2026, through Oct. 30, 2027.
