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International exposure for the CNMI
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Posted on Nov 01 2005
Despite the slump the CNMI is facing in its tourism industry, the Marianas Visitors Authority said that it continues to expand its reach to developing new markets while maintaining an aggressive PR approach in its core tourism markets.
“Taking the CNMI’s attributes and being exposed internationally through means of hosting familiarization tours for various media and travel agents is needed to enhance the visibility and awareness of the CNMI abroad,” said MVA managing director Vicky Benavente.
In October, 17 media and travel agent FAM tours visited the islands to gain a better experience of the islands’ tourism industry. There were eight groups from Japan, four from Korea, four from Greater China, one from Taiwan, and two from Russia. Hosted by the MVA and tourism partners, this effort is only to build a stronger presence in the markets.
“The groups are highlighting products and services available to their clientele and visitors. From magazines, newspapers and television programs, the MVA intends to create awareness that the CNMI is an attractive premiere tourist destination,” said Benavente.
The CNMI will receive tremendous media coverage from these groups in magazines, newspapers, and television. A total exposure value of $11.3 million from all markets is substantial to the CNMI versus the marketing dollars currently at hand.
The MVA familiarization tours were supported by the Hotel Association of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Japan Saipan Travel Association, and the Korean Tour Association of Saipan. Other supporting members consist of Lao Lao Bay Golf Resort, Kingfisher Golf Links, Coral Ocean Point Resort, Koreana Tours Bureau, Pacific Eagle Enterprises, Inc., Dai-Ichi Hotel Saipan Beach, Hyatt Regency Saipan, Rota Resort & Country Club, Tasi Tours & Transportation, Century Tours, Tinian Dynasty Hotel and Casino, Pacific Islands Club, DFS Galleria, Empress Tours, Northwest Airlines, Continental Airlines, and Asiana Airlines. (PR)
