The Senate Standing Committee on Executive Appointments and Government Investigations held a public hearing on February 6, 2025, where the focus was on the critical state of tourism in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) and the appointment of a new board member for the Commonwealth Ports Authority (CPA).

During the session, Senator Malapia congratulated Mr. Jackson on his appointment and expressed interest in his plans to revitalize the tourism sector, which is vital for the CNMI's economy. Jackson emphasized the need for a strategic approach to attract airlines, stating, "You can't do it in a vacuum." He highlighted the importance of collaboration between CPA and the Marianas Visitors Authority (MVA) to create demand in source markets and incentivize airlines to increase flights to the CNMI.

Jackson pointed out the challenges faced by the cruise industry, noting that it does not significantly benefit local businesses due to its one-off nature. Instead, he advocated for focusing on air travel, recalling the successful direct flights from Australia in the past. He stressed that rebuilding those connections requires a coordinated effort among various stakeholders, including the Chamber of Commerce and the Hotel Association.

The discussion also touched on the alarming financial situation of the CPA, with Senator Malapia urging Jackson to review the CPA's citizen-centric report for 2024, which outlines the authority's ongoing deficits. The committee underscored the urgency of addressing these financial woes to ensure the sustainability of tourism in the region.

As the hearing concluded, the committee members expressed hope that Jackson's private sector experience and collaborative vision could lead to a revitalization of the tourism industry, which is essential for the economic recovery of the CNMI.