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Imperial visit generates interest in CNMI history
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Posted on Jul 29 2005
The Japanese Imperial Couple’s visit to Saipan last month is starting to yield favorable results for the CNMI tourism industry.
Pacific Development Inc. general manager Yoichi Matsumura, who is also a member of the Marianas Visitors Authority’s board of directors, reported yesterday that there is currently an increased interest in CNMI history among the Japanese.
Matsumura told the MVA board that since the visit of Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko, many schools have become interested in bringing their students for an educational trip to the CNMI.
He added that at least one school in Niigata has made arrangements to bring students on a charter flight to Saipan in December.
“The emperor’s visit has a very significant impact to the CNMI,” said Matsumura.
MVA-Japan managing director Michael Merner echoed Matsumura’s statement, saying that MVA’s offshore office has been receiving numerous inquiries about educational tours to the Commonwealth.
“We believe this is a niche market that needs to be developed,” said Merner.
Akihito and Michiko arrived on Saipan on June 27 to pray for and honor the thousands of Japanese, American, and islander lives lost during one of World War II’s fiercest battles.
During their historic two-day visit, the couple made stops at major war memorials on Saipan, including the Japanese, Okinawan, and Korean memorials, Banzai Cliff, and Suicide Cliff in Marpi; and the Marianas Memorial and Flag Circle/Court of Honor at the American Memorial Park.
