ONE day in November 1972, two men who shared visions for the future of the tourism industry 
decided to poll their resources and established the very first tour agency in the island.
37 years and still counting, the Pacific Development Inc. has overcome the gigantic hurdles that came its way and managed to float and survive despite the economic depression that has rendered thousands of businesses helpless in its powerful grip.
The two founders, Herman T. Guerrero and his Japanese partner Mr. Yutaka had already both passed away, but 37 years after, the business they established is still up and going despite all the challenges that came its way.
PDI Assistant General Manager Gordon Marciano said that PDI which holds office at the ground floor of Hafa Adai Hotel in Garapan covers hotel transfers, accommodation, optional tours and takes care of the tourists from the moment they set foot at the airport until they leave.
But tourists can customize their tour packages to suit their needs, Marciano said.
“Before, the island literally swarmed with tourists, mostly from Japan who were lured by the sentimental historical connection but tour agencies were non-existent then,” he said.
Marciano said that the Manamko used to be the tour guides. His grandmother who was married to a Japanese used to be a tour guide back then.
“Many Japanese visitors come here and my Grandma and other Manamko acted as guides in bringing the tourists to different historical sites and locating bones of dead relatives,” Marciano said. He added that the tourists also stay at his Grandma’s house, go home and come back with more tourists.
The time was ripe to establish a tour agency to cater to the surge of tourists, and PDI responded to the call.
Downward plunge
Although the tourism industry did not experience a quick plunge, the numbers kept dipping especially after 1991.
Marciano recalled that in the early part of 1991, he took a key official associated with the commerce and tourism from the United Nations around the island to give him a glimpse of the tourism and agriculture industry. A couple of weeks later, he took a female reporter from the New York Times on a tour to visit the same places he took the fellow from the United Nations.
“I was astounded because they both asked me the same question about what are we are going to do when the tourism industry goes down,” Marciano said.
“They must have seen the fall of the industry coming here because shortly after, tourist arrivals started to decline and has been going on a downward trend since then,” he added.
He said that another huge blow fell when Japan Airlines pulled out, crippling hundreds of businesses in its wake.
Holding on
With the economic crisis tightening its grip on businesses everywhere, PDI has to trim down from 250 employees down to the current 50 they maintained for their operations.
“Decisions have to be made, and we have to make changes and adjustments,” Marciano said.
PDI sold its boat and the fleet shuttle of buses but it did not mean an end to business.
“We use the services of the companies whom we sold the boat and buses to, and most of the former employees still works there,” he said.
PDI only trimmed its operating expenses but not its services. At the same time, they are helping other business to earn and survive.
Many firsts
Marciano said that PDI initiated many “firsts” to boost tourism in the CNMI.
He said that back then, PDI owns the only boat (Coral Queen) offering sunset dinner cruise to tourists. They were also the first to operate shuttle buses to transport tourists from the airport to their hotels and to the different establishments.
“PDI operated a large fleet of shuttle buses, we had over 30 units,” he said. He added that during the first few years of operation, PDI uses six buses which resembled the Chu-chu train now preserved at the Sugar King Park to shuttle tourists around.
The first group of Russian tourists came to the CNMI through the persistence of PDI president Yoichi Matsumura.
“PDI saw a huge potential market with Russian tourists and we worked with Romantic Tours in Vladivostok to finally bring Russian tourists here,” Marciano said.
PDI is also the first tour company who facilitated the Destination Education market and the Cultural Exchange for students to the CNMI. In addition, PDI is the only tour agent who caters to veterans of the WW11.
“Every year, PDI host events and trips for our veterans and their families since 1991,” Marciano said.
With tour agencies sprouting all over the island, Marciano said that PDI is constantly working to keep abreast in providing much-improved services to their clients.
PDI’s Japan-based mother company, the Kinki Nippon Tourist Co. handles the booking and offering tour packages to the CNMI. Recently, they have extended their services and now partners with Hannah Tours in Korea to cater to Korean tourists.
The PDI founders on Saipan may have passed away, but their legacy lives on.
