The Managing Director of the Marianas Visitors Authority Photo: Saipan Chamber of Commerce
Marianas Visitors Authority (MVA) managing director Christopher A. Concepcion has resigned from his post.
It comes as the CNMI's lone economic driver, the tourism industry, continues to struggle with the lack of Chinese tourists.
The CNMI's China tourism market is currently hampered by US Department of Transportation Part 213 Order 2023-6-1 that limits the number of passenger flights from China to the entire United States to a little over 24 flights a month.
This, coupled with Japanese tourists not really seeing the CNMI as an ideal destination due to the strength of the US dollar compared to the Japanese yen, leaves the MVA with Korean tourists as the only market it can count on.
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Concepcion said his resignation will become effective on 1 March, 2025.
In a letter to the MVA board dated 15 January, 2025, Concepcion said it's been an honour to once again lead the MVA since May 2023.
"I have greatly valued the opportunity to work alongside such a dedicated team, and I am proud of all we have accomplished together in promoting our Commonwealth despite the many ordeals we faced," he wrote.
"Our work has brought much success, and many challenges, but I truly believe in the continued potential of our team.
"However, after careful consideration, I have made the difficult decision to step down from my role in order to pursue other professional opportunities. I am confident that this decision is in the best interest of both myself and the MVA moving forward."
During his remaining time, Concepcion said he will remain committed to ensuring a smooth transition and will provide his full support in identifying a suitable successor or assisting with any transitional processes.
MVA board chair Gloria Cavanagh said Concepcion announced his resignation at this week's MVA monthly board meeting.
"While he chose not to reveal his next career move, I have no doubt he will tackle it with the same commitment and excellence he has demonstrated over the past two years," Cavanagh said.
"The position of managing director at MVA is tough and often thankless; many may think they can do it better, but very few actually dare to take on the challenge.
"Like me, Chris has faced significant adversity and criticism, yet he has always prioritized the needs of the CNMI and performed admirably."
She added that with Concepcion's departure, the MVA will lose a strong and respected leader. Nevertheless, Cavanagh said Concepcion will be with MVA through February to ensure a seamless transition of authority.
"The entire board and I stand firmly behind him as he embarks on this new chapter. Wherever he goes next, I am confident he will continue to represent the Commonwealth with pride and conviction," she said.
Governor Arnold Palacios, meanwhile, extended his administration's well wishes to Concepcion in his future endeavors.
"His leadership has influenced the direction of MVA and the tourism industry, and we hope he finds success in his next chapter."
He said Concepcion's decision to resign unfortunately comes at a time when the tourism industry is facing challenges, such as post-pandemic recovery efforts and change in visitor demographics.
"This creates both uncertainty as well as opportunities for new leadership to address these issues and bring new ideas or approaches that could benefit the tourism landscape," Palacios said.
"Overall, this transition is a pivotal moment for the Marianas Visitors Authority and the choice of the next managing director will be crucial for steering the direction of tourism in the CNMI as well as building relationships with stakeholders moving forward."
"It will be important for MVA to communicate its vision clearly during this transition to maintain confidence among both industry partners and visitors."
