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JAL offers holiday discounts
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Posted on Feb 02 1999
With the initial success of its promotional campaign, Japan Airlines will provide discounted air fare to Saipan on three special occasions in May, June and July to entice more Japanese tourist to come here.
According to Kaishun Nishigaya, JAL general manager, the airline will provide special rates on Mother’s Day on May 9, Father’s Day on June 20 and Tanabata (Festival of the Weaver) on July 7.
The reduction in rate was part of the airline’s commitment to help the CNMI increase its market share in Japan. Last month, the airline launched its “JAL-Saipan Campaign” targeting some 15,000 additional visitors.
According to Nishigaya, JAL carried some 17,523 passengers from Narita and Osaka last month which is a 28 percent jump over the previous year covering the same period. The increase in Japanese arrivals was also due to the six chartered flights between Nagoya and Saipan last month.
JAL is set to produce an in-flight promotional video of the CNMI to be shown in its domestic and international flights. Airline representatives already conducted an inspection tour of various tourist sites which will be included in the in-flight video.
The airline had invested more than $150 million on the island in various businesses, namely La Fiesta San Roque Shopping Plaza, Hotel Nikko Saipan and Tropical Laundry & Linen Services.
Even with limited budget, MVA has already awarded to Tokyo-based Dentsu Inc. the $1.9 million contract to help promote the CNMI in Japan after almost five months of search and screening.
Beginning March 1, Dentsu will introduce “Saipanda” character which aims to differentiate Saipan from other destinations such as Guam and Hawaii.
With the cutthroat competition in the travel industry, the Northern Marianas has lagged behind its neighboring island Guam in terms of promotional campaign in Japan.
As Japan’s economy remains in the dump, Japanese travelers have been cautious in their spending which has led to the closure of many shops that cater to tourist.
