AGP Executive Report

Storm Prep for Marianas: Typhoon Bavi is intensifying toward Guam and the CNMI, with a typhoon watch issued for Guam, Saipan, Tinian and Rota and forecasts of damaging winds and rough seas; the U.S. Coast Guard is coordinating with local emergency managers and urges residents and mariners to act now. Beach Safety Advisory: CNMI’s environmental agency issued a precautionary advisory for Saipan, Tinian and Rota beaches, warning people to avoid swimming and fishing due to storm runoff and possible water-quality impacts. Voting Continuity in Guam: Guam’s election commission kept early in-person voting running through July 25 even if Bavi delays the planned opening, with homebound voting calls pushed to protect staff and vulnerable voters. Tourism Recovery Funding (CNMI): CNMI lawmakers advanced compromise spending to support Super Typhoon Sinlaku relief and tourism recovery, including funds for Tinian/Rota response and support for the Marianas Visitors Authority. Tourism Development: The Marianas Visitor Authority unveiled a conceptual plan to turn the Japanese Lighthouse property in Navy Hill into a visitor and cultural experience center, aiming to boost visitor engagement. Local Travel Culture: Saipan announced a two-day Liberation Day celebration this weekend, tied to the 50th anniversary of the CNMI Covenant and the 250th U.S. independence anniversary. Invasive Species (Guam): Volunteers helped capture brown tree snakes at Andersen Air Force Base, supporting ongoing efforts to protect Guam’s ecosystems. Birthright Citizenship Fallout (CNMI): CNMI leaders welcomed the Supreme Court’s birthright citizenship ruling while Congress and the DOJ move to crack down on “birth tourism,” keeping the issue front-and-center for the region’s travel and immigration conversations.

Typhoon Bavi Watch & Safety Prep: A typhoon watch is in effect for Guam, Saipan, Tinian and Rota, with Bavi forecast to rapidly intensify and possibly bring super-typhoon strength to the Marianas. The National Weather Service warns damaging winds could start Sunday evening into early Tuesday, and officials urge residents and mariners to act now as tracks may still shift. Coast Guard Coordination: U.S. Coast Guard crews are coordinating “One Marianas” preparations with local emergency managers, urging people to monitor official guidance and secure boats and property. Local Beach Advisory: Saipan, Tinian and Rota beaches are under a precautionary advisory due to expected storm conditions, with residents told to avoid swimming and fishing during the storm. Election Continuity in Guam: Even if Bavi delays the planned opening, early in-person voting is set to continue through July 25, with homebound voting calls pushed to Monday weather permitting. Tourism Recovery Funding: CNMI lawmakers advanced compromise spending for Super Typhoon Sinlaku relief and Marianas Visitors Authority tourism recovery, including tobacco settlement funds. Tourism Development: MVA shared a conceptual plan for a visitor and cultural experience center at the Japanese Lighthouse property in Navy Hill, aiming to boost visitor engagement. CNMI Community Spotlight: A Saipan pickleball fundraising push is helping CNMI pursue a World Cup appearance in Vietnam, with local volunteers rallying for international competition.

Birthright Citizenship Fallout: CNMI leaders welcomed the U.S. Supreme Court ruling preserving birthright citizenship, while Congress moves to crack down on “birth tourism” through constitutional amendments and new bills; Local Governance & Tourism Recovery: the CNMI Senate passed a compromise funding package for Super Typhoon Sinlaku relief and Marianas Visitors Authority tourism recovery; Weather & Beach Safety: BECQ-DEQ issued a precautionary advisory for Saipan, Tinian, and Rota beaches ahead of storm conditions, urging people to avoid swimming and fishing; Storm Watch: Typhoon No. 9 Bavi is strengthening and could bring severe weather near the Marianas around July 6, with travelers urged to monitor updates; Community & Culture: Saipan’s Liberation Day celebration is set for a two-day run, and the Saipan Awaodori Team will head to Japan for festivals starting July 7; Tourism Development: MVA unveiled a conceptual plan to turn the Japanese Lighthouse property in Navy Hill into a visitor and cultural experience center.

Beach Safety: CNMI’s Division of Environmental Quality issued a precautionary advisory for all recreational beaches on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota as Tropical Storm Bavi approaches, urging residents and visitors to avoid swimming, fishing, and other water activities due to heavy rain runoff and possible bacteria/coastal contamination. Tourism Recovery & Planning: The Marianas Visitors Authority unveiled a conceptual plan to turn Saipan’s historic Japanese Lighthouse property in Navy Hill into a visitor and cultural experience center, with relocation expected before December and a push for new local partnerships. Tourism Funding: CNMI Senate passed a compromise package to fund Super Typhoon Sinlaku relief and tourism recovery, including $300,000 for Tinian/Rota relief and $960,235.74 for MVA tourism recovery. Community & Culture: Saipan will hold a two-day Liberation Day celebration this weekend, aimed at bringing residents together as the islands continue rebuilding. Regional Travel Context: Invest 95W is now a medium chance to develop, with some forecasts hinting it could affect the Marianas around July 6–7—so travelers should watch updates closely. Wildlife Watch: Volunteers on Guam joined a brown tree snake workshop and hunt at Andersen Air Force Base, part of ongoing invasive species control efforts across the region.

Birthright Citizenship Push: After the Supreme Court struck down Trump’s birthright citizenship order, Republicans are moving fast with bills and renewed calls for a constitutional amendment, while the DOJ vows to crack down on “birth tourism” schemes. CNMI Recovery Funding: FEMA says more than $52 million in federal disaster aid and loan offers has been committed to the Northern Mariana Islands following Super Typhoon Sinlaku as recovery shifts toward rebuilding the economy. Tourism Leadership Recognition: Marianas Visitor Authority Deputy Managing Director Judy Torres received a PATA Award of Merit for decades of Marianas tourism work. Regional Security Visit: USPACOM Commander Adm. Samuel Paparo visited Guam and CNMI, including Tinian, to reinforce partnerships and disaster readiness. Saipan Tourism Development: MVA unveiled a conceptual plan to turn the historic Japanese Lighthouse property in Navy Hill into a visitor and cultural experience center, with relocation expected before December. Saipan Events: Saipan will host a two-day Liberation Day celebration this weekend, marking the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence and the 50th year of the CNMI Covenant. Weather Watch: A tropical disturbance (Invest 95W) has been upgraded to a medium chance of development, with some models hinting at possible impacts near the Marianas around July 6–7. Cultural Exchange: The Saipan Awaodori Team will travel to Japan next week for festivals, continuing a 19-year cultural bridge. Local Justice & Labor: A CNMI case ended with an 82-year-old sentenced to probation and home detention for visa fraud tied to the CW-1 transitional worker program. Power Costs in the Region: Guam’s fuel surcharge is set to rise, pushing average residential bills higher—another reminder of ongoing Pacific cost pressures.

Tourism Honors: Marianas Visitor Authority Deputy Managing Director Judy Torres received the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Award of Merit for decades of tourism leadership, and the MVA board is moving toward a managing director hiring process. Regional Security & Disaster Response: USPACOM commander Adm. Samuel Paparo wrapped up a Guam and CNMI visit, including Tinian meetings tied to the STRONG Roof disaster-relief effort after Typhoon Sinlaku. Tourism Development: MVA unveiled a conceptual plan to turn the historic Japanese Lighthouse property in Saipan’s Navy Hill into a visitor and cultural experience center, aiming to boost visitor engagement and new experiences. Recovery Funding: FEMA says more than $52 million in federal disaster assistance and loan offers has been committed to CNMI households after Super Typhoon Sinlaku, as recovery shifts toward rebuilding the economy. Visitor Numbers: MVA reports May arrivals totaled 2,171—an 82% drop year over year—while noting flight resumptions and active outreach to South Korea and Japan. Weather Watch: A tropical disturbance in the Marshall Islands (Invest 95W) is organizing and forecasts are tracking potential impacts near the Marianas around the July 4 holiday. Local Events: Saipan will host a two-day Liberation Day celebration, and the Saipan Awaodori Team is set to travel to Japan for Awaodori festivals. Travel Disruption: A Summer Strong Fastpitch Softball Tournament was postponed due to storm conditions and Tropical Storm Condition 1. Citizenship Politics (National, CNMI Relevance): The U.S. Supreme Court rejected Trump’s birthright citizenship executive order, but Republicans are pushing new legislation and vowing birth-tourism crackdowns—an issue tied to enforcement cases that have included prosecutions involving the Northern Mariana Islands.

Tourism & Travel Recovery: Marianas Visitor’s Authority says May arrivals fell 82% to 2,171 after Super Typhoon Sinlaku, with Jeju Air resuming Seoul–Saipan flights June 20 and United Airlines set to restart Tokyo Narita–Saipan service Aug. 2; MVA is also pushing updates to reassure travelers. New Visitor Experience: MVA unveiled a conceptual plan to turn Saipan’s historic Japanese Lighthouse property in Navy Hill into a visitor and cultural experience center, aiming to boost on-island engagement and local partnerships. Local Events: Saipan will host a two-day Liberation Day celebration this weekend, with organizers saying it’s about rebuilding community normalcy after the typhoon. Outdoor Tourism: MVA is restoring access to nature trails and will hold a Bird Island Trail Fun Hike June 27 to bring visitors and locals to scenic spots. Regional Travel Access: Guam and NMI officials advanced visa waiver talks with the Philippine Bureau of Immigration to reduce the passenger bottleneck for travelers heading to the Marianas. Weather Watch: Invest 95W has been upgraded to a medium chance of development, with some models hinting at possible impacts around July 6–7, so holiday travelers should stay alert. Disaster Recovery Funding: FEMA says more than $52 million in federal disaster assistance and loan offers have been committed to NMI households as recovery shifts toward economic rebound. Power Costs: Guam’s fuel surcharge hike approved by regulators could raise average residential bills by about $58 starting July 1. Immigration Enforcement: A Saipan-area visa fraud case involving the CW-1 transitional worker program ended in a 12-month home detention sentence for an 82-year-old defendant.

Tourism Recovery & Visitor Experience: The Marianas Visitors Authority unveiled a conceptual plan to turn the historic Japanese Lighthouse property in Saipan’s Navy Hill into a visitor and cultural experience center, with clearing underway and a relocation expected before December—aimed at giving travelers stronger reasons to choose the Marianas. Nature Tourism: MVA is also restoring access to key outdoor spots and will host the Bird Island Trail Fun Hike on June 27 to help visitors and locals reconnect with Marianas trails. Arrivals Drop: MVA reported May visitor arrivals at just 2,171, an 82% decline year-over-year, as Super Typhoon Sinlaku disrupted flights and tourism infrastructure. Flights & Demand: Jeju Air resumed direct Seoul–Saipan service, with four flights weekly through Oct. 25, as MVA ramps up campaigns to rebuild bookings. Cultural Exchange: The Saipan Awaodori Team will travel to Japan next week for festivals, continuing a 19-year cultural bridge with the largest delegation yet. Visa Policy Push: CNMI leaders urged Congress to keep visa-free travel options for the islands to help recovery, citing tourism arrivals and hotel tax revenue still far below pre-storm levels. Worker Protections: A Saipan visa fraud case ended with an 82-year-old man sentenced to probation plus 12 months home detention for abusing CNMI-Only Transitional Worker visa applicants.

Tropical Weather & Travel Disruption: A Marshall Islands disturbance (Invest 95W) has been upgraded to a medium chance of development, with some models hinting it could pass near CNMI around July 6–7—so travelers should watch official updates and avoid sharing unverified storm tracks. Tourism Recovery Watch: Marianas Visitors Authority says May arrivals fell 82% to 2,171 after Super Typhoon Sinlaku, but Jeju Air resumed direct Seoul–Saipan flights June 20 and more Japan service is planned (including Tokyo-Narita resuming Aug. 2). Visitor Experience Push: MVA is restoring access to key nature trails and plans a Bird Island Trail Fun Hike June 27 to help rebuild “Marianas Far From Ordinary” outdoor experiences. Local Events & Storm Planning: The Summer Strong Fastpitch Softball Tournament in Saipan was postponed due to worsening conditions and Tropical Storm Condition 1 for Saipan and Tinian. Power & Costs: CNMI’s tourism rebound is tied to utilities—Guam’s PUC approved a fuel surcharge hike that would raise average residential bills by about $58 starting July 1, underscoring how energy costs ripple into travel. Safety & Enforcement: CVSA’s Brake Safety Day found 14.3% of inspected commercial vehicles were placed out of service for brake issues, a reminder for safer road travel across the region. Visa & Travel Access: Guam and CNMI officials are advancing visa waiver talks with Philippine immigration to reduce travel bottlenecks for Filipino visitors. Workforce Abuse Case: A Saipan-area visa fraud case ended with a businessman sentenced to 12 months home detention for abusing the CNMI-only transitional worker visa program.

Flights & Tourism Recovery: Saipan welcomed its first international flight in over two months as Jeju Air resumed direct service from Seoul Incheon, with four flights weekly through Oct. 25 (daily during peak dates). Visitor Numbers: The Marianas Visitors Authority reported just 2,171 arrivals in May 2026—an 82% drop year over year—after Super Typhoon Sinlaku paused international flights. Outdoor Experiences: MVA is restoring access to nature spots and will host the Bird Island Trail Fun Hike on June 27 to bring more visitors and locals back to Marianas trails. Policy for Easier Travel: Guam and CNMI officials advanced visa waiver talks with Philippine immigration, aiming to reduce the visa “bottleneck” for Filipino travelers. Power & Costs: CNMI leaders urged Congress to keep visa-free travel for recovery, citing a tourism collapse to about 104,511 arrivals in FY2026 (17% of 2018 levels). Weather Watch: Another tropical disturbance (Invest 94W) is expected to bring unsettled conditions to the Marianas as early as Tuesday. Local Business/Travel Deals: IHG launched a 25%–30% off “Destinations Deals” sale for stays June 29–Aug. 9, booking through June 28.

International Flights Return: Jeju Air resumed direct Seoul–Saipan service on Sunday, the first international flight in over two months after Super Typhoon Sinlaku, with four flights weekly through Oct. 25 (daily during July 22–Aug. 3 and Sept. 23–Oct. 10), as the Marianas Visitors Authority pushes campaigns to protect air connectivity and rebuild visitor confidence. Tourism Numbers Still Hurt: MVA reported just 2,171 arrivals in May 2026, an 82% drop from May 2025, with South Korea and Japan both down sharply as recovery continues. Tourism Recovery Funding Moves: The CNMI House passed conference committee reports to appropriate local funds for Sinlaku relief and MVA tourism recovery, including $960,235.74 in tobacco settlement funds for MVA. Visitor Experience Upgrade: MVA is restoring access to nature attractions and plans a Bird Island Trail Fun Hike on June 27 to draw locals and visitors back to outdoor experiences. Local Travel Disruption: A Summer Strong Fastpitch Softball Tournament opening was postponed due to an approaching tropical system and Tropical Storm Condition 1 for Saipan and Tinian. Visa-Free Push: Guam and CNMI officials advanced Guam–CNMI Visa Waiver Program talks with Philippine immigration, aiming to ease travel for eligible visitors and support tourism demand.

International Flights Return: Jeju Air resumed direct Seoul–Saipan service on Sunday, the first international flight in over two months after Super Typhoon Sinlaku, with four flights weekly through Oct. 25 (daily during peak periods). Tourism Recovery Numbers: The Marianas Visitors Authority says May arrivals fell 82% to 2,171 versus 11,960 last year, with South Korea and Japan both down sharply as airlines rebuild schedules. Visitor Experience Push: MVA is restoring access to outdoor attractions and plans a Bird Island Trail Fun Hike June 27 to reconnect travelers and locals with nature-based experiences. Power & Costs: CNMI power policy remains a travel factor—Guam’s PUC approved a fuel surcharge hike that would raise average residential bills, underscoring how utility costs can ripple into visitor-facing operations. Safety & Weather: A summer fastpitch softball tournament in Saipan was postponed due to storm conditions as Tropical Storm Condition 1 was declared for Saipan and Tinian. Accountability for Travelers: A Saipan visa fraud case ended with an 82-year-old man sentenced to probation plus 12 months home detention for abusing the CW-1 transitional worker program.

International Flights Return: Jeju Air resumed direct Seoul–Saipan service, landing the first international flight in over two months after Super Typhoon Sinlaku; the airline plans four flights weekly through Oct. 25 (daily during peak July 22–Aug. 3 and Sept. 23–Oct. 10), a key step for CNMI tourism recovery. Tourism Recovery Push: Marianas Visitors Authority says keeping air links and improving the on-island visitor experience are critical as arrivals remain far below pre-storm levels. Outdoor Access & Fun Hikes: MVA is restoring nature access and will host a Bird Island Trail Fun Hike on June 27 to reconnect visitors and locals with Marianas trails. Visitor Numbers Still Down: MVA reports May arrivals at 2,171, down 82% year over year, with South Korea and Japan both sharply lower. Weather Watch: Another tropical disturbance (Invest 94W) is expected to bring unsettled conditions to the Marianas, with impacts possible through Tuesday. Power Costs & Travel Impact: Guam’s PUC approved a fuel surcharge hike that will raise average residential bills—another reminder that energy costs ripple into travel and tourism planning across the region. Visa-Free Talks: Guam and NMI officials advanced visa waiver efforts with Philippine immigration to reduce travel bottlenecks that can affect visitor flows.

International Flights Return: Saipan welcomed its first direct international flight in over two months as Jeju Air resumed Seoul Incheon–Saipan service after Super Typhoon Sinlaku, with four flights weekly through Oct. 25 (daily during peak July 22–Aug. 3 and Sept. 23–Oct. 10), a key step for tourism recovery and keeping air links strong. Tourism Recovery Funding: The CNMI House passed compromise bills to support Super Typhoon Sinlaku relief and Marianas Visitors Authority tourism recovery, including $960,235.74 in tobacco settlement funds for MVA and $300,000 from CEDA dividends for Tinian and Rota relief. Visitor Experience & Trails: The Marianas Visitors Authority is restoring access to iconic outdoor spots and will host a Bird Island Trail Fun Hike on June 27 at 8 a.m. to boost nature-based experiences for visitors and locals. Weather Watch: A tropical disturbance (Invest 94W) is moving toward the Marianas with impacts expected through Tuesday, bringing showers and gusty winds. Local Justice: A Saipan businessman, Angel Paras Cruz Jr., was sentenced to 12 months home detention (with probation) for visa fraud tied to the CW-1 transitional worker program. Power & Costs: CNMI leaders are urging Congress to keep visa-free travel for the islands as tourism arrivals and hotel tax revenue remain far below pre-typhoon levels.

International Flights Return: Jeju Air resumed direct Seoul–Saipan service on June 21, the first international flight in over two months since Super Typhoon Sinlaku, with four flights weekly through Oct. 25 (daily during peak periods). Tourism Recovery: The Marianas Visitors Authority says every seat is “hard-won” and urges keeping air links by improving the visitor experience as arrivals remain far below pre-storm levels. Visitor Numbers Drop: MVA reported just 2,171 arrivals in May 2026—an 82% decline from May 2025—blaming Sinlaku’s mid-April flight suspension. Nature & Trails: MVA and partners are restoring access to iconic outdoor spots and will host the Bird Island Trail Fun Hike on June 27 to spotlight nature-based experiences. Storm Watch: Another tropical disturbance (Invest 94W) is moving toward the Marianas, with impacts expected into Tuesday. Power & Costs (CNMI context): CNMI leaders continue pushing for visa-free travel and energy stability as recovery strains budgets and tourism demand.

International Flights Return: Jeju Air resumed direct Seoul–Saipan service on June 21, restoring CNMI’s first international flight in over two months after Super Typhoon Sinlaku, with four flights weekly through Oct. 25 and daily service during peak periods—MVA says keeping air links and improving the on-island visitor experience are key to recovery. Tourism Numbers Still Bleak: MVA reports May arrivals fell 82% to 2,171 versus 11,960 a year earlier, with South Korea and Japan both down sharply as the destination rebuilds hotels, attractions, and facilities. Trail Access for Visitors: As flights restart, MVA and partners are clearing nature routes and will host the Bird Island Trail Fun Hike on June 27 to boost Marianas “Far From Ordinary” outdoor experiences. Power Costs Hit Hard: PUC approved Guam Power Authority’s fuel surcharge increase starting July 1, pushing the average residential bill up about $58—another reminder that utility reliability and affordability shape travel and business confidence. Visa Waiver Pressure: CNMI leaders urged Congress to keep visa-free entry for Chinese travelers (EVS‑TAP), warning that ending it without a replacement would worsen the tourism downturn. Local Recovery Funding: The House passed compromise bills to fund Sinlaku relief and MVA tourism recovery initiatives, including tobacco settlement support for MVA. Safety & Weather: A tropical system is forecast to bring unsettled conditions to the Marianas, and a Saipan softball tournament was postponed after Tropical Storm Condition 1.