“My heart is still here.”
That is how strongly Kwang Joong “KJ” Kim feels about the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands that has bestowed on him this week the title of honorary tourism ambassador.
After serving as general manager of Asiana Airlines in the Northern Marianas from 2005 to June 2009, Kim has most recently been drawing attention to the islands as the new general manager of the airline's Golf Package Task Force in Seoul. Since his reassignment from the islands in July 2009, Kim has been instrumental in developing “Golf Picnic,” a golf package that has already sold to almost 1,400 golfers since it started last month.
Kim's appointment as ambassador was announced by Marianas Visitors Authority board chair Jerry Tan at a formal ceremony Monday, Nov. 2, at the MVA office.
Kim said the qualities that endear the Northern Marianas to him are many of the same characteristics that attract golfers from Korea.
“It's beautiful, it's peaceful, it's safe,” he said. “Korean golf courses are very busy, and you can only play foursomes. Sometimes people want to enjoy golf with just their wife or a friend, so Saipan is ideal for them.”
With five years experience living and working in Saipan, Kim is also often the go-to guy when his parent company or other publishers are planning a story about the Northern Marianas. Kim shared a number of recent articles in major economic, travel, and other publications that were recently published promoting the islands as a tourist destination for golf and other activities. While one full-page article alone was valued at $80,000, the estimated exposure value of all the recent articles is close to $300,000.
“We have a good relationship, fortunately,” Kim said. “I never expected I would be an honorary tourism ambassador, but with this appointment I can work more actively and aggressively to promote the islands.”
Asiana Airlines' “Picnic Golf” package targets couples, 50-60 year-olds, and company incentive markets. While Kim acknowledged golf market competition with China and Southeast Asia, he said the beauty and elegance of Saipan attracts a unique market of golfers.
“Although you are no longer residing in the Northern Marianas, we truly believe that your love for our islands and your efforts will continue while you are in Korea,” said Tan, in making the appointment.
Asiana Airlines and Laolao Bay Golf Resort in Saipan are both owned by the Kumho Asiana conglomerate in Korea. (MVA)
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