'We're feeling the pinch': CNMI governor blames economic slump on geopolitical tensions

The geopolitical situation in Asia and the Pacific region is one of the reasons for the ongoing disruptions with the Northern Mariana Islands' (CNMI) travel authorisation program, the territory's governor says. The delays in the CNMI Electronic Vitality and Security Travel Authorisation Program (EVS-TAP) approval for tourists from China has resulted in the abrupt suspension of Hong Kong Airlines flights to Saipan. It is also a contributing factor to low visitor arrivals in an island economy that