An estimated $600 million dollar industry receiving more than a half million visitors each year, tourism in the Northern Marianas has become the backbone of the local economy. During the "boom years" of the late 80s, the Northern Marianas' beautiful natural environment, tropical weather, relatively low cost, and close proximity to Japan made it the destination of choice for Japanese tourists. Today, the industry is highly developed and there is a wide range of accommodations available from 5-star international chain resorts to small, family-run cottages and business hotels.

The capital island of Saipan has traditionally been the primary center for tourism development, with an international airport, numerous golf courses, luxurious shopping centers and resort hotels dotting its western shores. A large, protected lagoon and tiny Managaha island offer ideal opportunities for boating and a range of other water sports.

The island of Tinian ushered in a new era in its tourism development in 1998, when it opened its first large-scale casino resort. It is the currently the only island in the Marianas where casinos are legal. Tinian also has numerous historical sites, having played a role in the end of World War II as the strategic site from which the atomic bomb was launched.

Rota's small population and selective development is allowing it to become a popular international ecotourism destination and the friendly people have dedicated themselves to keeping it that way. Unspoiled white sand beaches, acres of lush jungles and an abundance of wildlife can be found on the island. Rota or "Luta" as it is known locally has an 18-hole golf resort, as well as numerous family businesses catering to visitors, including hotels, scuba diving tours, fruit farms, nature walks and even a zoo with native animals.