MVA seeks to draw Korean honeymooners

The Marianas Visitors Authority held a My Marianas Honeymoon Workshop at Chunghu-ho Resort in South Korea on July 4 – 5. There were 36 travels agents in attendance as well as two attendees from Asiana Airlines, five from CNMI hotels, six from MVA and three media representatives.

The workshop was developed in early June with a goal of being held two weeks prior to Weddex in order to boost the sales of the Northern Marianas honeymoon product at the fair and to increase the total number of Korean honeymooners during the fall season.

MVA, Asiana Airlines and hotel representatives conducted a presentation on the destination and its products. A short quiz session with prizes followed each presentation. Brainstorming sessions were also held with the participants, which covered three topics including “what would you do to promote the Northern Marianas Honeymoon products if you were with MVA,” “Best active honeymoon itinerary,” and “Best romantic honeymoon itinerary.” Participants were divided into six groups and each group did a presentation on their ideas. Many interesting and fresh ideas came out of this brainstorming session, MVA said.

On day two, the participants were involved in several activities for team building and another quiz session testing the participants’ knowledge of the Northern Marianas. The winner of the quiz received a three-night coupon from Pacific Islands Club. The participants voted a Most Valuable Player of the workshop, who won a prize including a four-night coupon from Tinian Dynasty Hotel and Casino. The MVP was Jung-Woo Seo from Nasa Tour, Busan.

MVA plans to launch several programs to promote the honeymoon market. These programs include Volume Incentives for 10 travel agents based on total sales volume in October and November, Wedding Fair On-Spot Sales Incentives where travel agents receive an incentive for each sale made on the Marianas Honeymoon product at upcoming wedding fairs such as Weddex . Honeymooners who buy the Marianas Honeymoon product will receive beach slippers and shoulder bags.

MVA acknowledged Aqua Resort Club, Mariana Resort & Spa, Fiesta Resort & Spa Saipan, Pacific Islands Club and Saipan World Resort for their support.

The CNMI used to be the one of the most popular honeymoon destinations for the Korean honeymooners in mid- and late 1990s. MVA and partners Asiana Airlines, hotels, and travel agents are implementing various promotions to recapture this market. [B][I](MVA)[/I][/B]