Two tourism bodies in the Northern Marianas are lobbying for the passage of a bill that would extend the maximum lease terms for public land from 40 to 55 years.
The Hotel Association and the Marianas Visitors Authority say the extension of leases would allow current tenants to invest in their properties and help the tourism industry grow.
The Hyatt Regency in the CNMI Photo: RNZ Pacific / Mark Rabago
Senate Bill 20-35 that would enact the change is at the House of Representatives awaiting action.
Currently, the law allows 25 years for the initial lease agreement with the option to extend for another 15.
The association's Gloria Cavanagh said the CNMI needed to invest in new infrastructure, including updating its hotel and resort amenities, to compete with other destinations.
The authority's Chris Concepcion said the CNMI should work with hotels that have expiring leases.
Three major resorts have leases that end between 2021 to 2026.
Mariana Resort & Spa's lease finishes at the end of the month and as a fix the Department of Public Lands made a bid to operate the facility for a year.
The Mariana Resort and Spa in Saipan Photo: RNZ Pacific / Mark Rabago
