Talking Tourism and Policy with Hotel Industry Leaders
I had the opportunity to sit down with the leaders of our hotel sector during the Hotel Association of the Northern Mariana Islands general meeting. The conversation gave me the chance to share my perspective on where the CNMI economy stands today and where I believe we could be headed. Just as importantly, I heard directly from those on the front lines of one of the Commonwealth's most important industries. There is no getting around it. Our hotels, our tourism sector, and our economy are facing real challenges. Yet what stood out to me was the determination of the people in the room. These are leaders who remain committed to pushing through difficult conditions, advocating for the industry, and finding new ways to keep their properties operating and their employees working. The tourism industry remains a cornerstone of our economy. The jobs it supports, the revenue it generates, and the opportunities it creates ripple throughout the entire Commonwealth. As we work through these challenges, public policy should be focused on helping the industry succeed and creating the conditions for growth to return. Thank you to HANMI and its members for the conversation and for your continued commitment to the CNMI.