Saipan welcomes Saipan Marriott Resort & Spa

After years of effort to bring major hotel brands to the Northern Mariana Islands, Saipan has cause to celebrate.

Marriott International Inc. signed a hotel management agreement with Honest Profit International Ltd. for the operation of the Saipan Marriott Resort & Spa. The agreement was signed on Oct. 17 and the hotel will open in San Antonio in an estimated 18 months.

The hotel will sit on a property in San Antonio adjacent to Pacific Islands Club Saipan, according to Journal files. Honest Profit previously attempted to build a resort in the same area with a then-scheduled opening of 2018.

The Northern Mariana Islands Department of Public Lands signed in September 2014 a 25-year lease agreement with Honest Profit of Hong Kong. The lease included approximately 40,827 square meters of beachfront public lands in San Antonio, according to Journal files. Honest Profit intended to invest $45 million at the time.

Christopher A. Concepcion, managing director of the Marianas Visitors Authority, said the new Saipan Marriott Resort & Spa is highly anticipated.

“The Marianas Visitors Authority is very excited with the announcement by Marriott International of their expansion into the CNMI in partnership with Honest Profit International Ltd.,” he said.

“The Marriott group is the largest branded hotel chain in the world with properties in over 130 countries. They are a leader in the global hospitality industry, so having their brand power in the CNMI bodes well for the future of the tourism industry and speaks volumes about their faith in our destination.

“Having a recognized brand like the Marriott gives confidence to our visitors and investors, provides extensive marketing opportunities, introduces a new consumer base through their Bonvoy loyalty program, and provides an extensive network of travel industry partners that the CNMI can leverage in promoting our islands. It complements our hotel industry portfolio already in the Commonwealth. We extend our congratulations and sincere welcome to the Marriott group,” Concepcion said.

Marriott markets extensively to its more than 180 million members (as of July) in the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, and was ranked No. 3 in award programs by U.S. News Travel Rewards Hotels Rankings

For recent tourism and travel updates see https://www.mbjguam.com/blankets-are-back-united-airlines. mbj

CUC in the NMI raises power cost to effectively double; Various recovery efforts ongoing

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Q&A with Raenada Mason, public affairs specialist, U.S. Small Business Administration

Q&A courtesy of the Saipan Chamber of Commerce with Raenada A. Mason, public affairs specialist with the U.S. Small Business Administration. Mason is currently in Saipan. The SBA will be assisting businesses and residents at the Survivor Recovery Center at the Governor Pedro P. Tenorio Multi-Purpose Center.

Saipan welcomes Saipan Marriott Resort & Spa