Due to funding shortage MVA to fine-tune promotional programs

Forced to work with a limited budget equivalent to its Fiscal Year 1999 funding, the Marianas Visitors Authority may just turn to more crafty and creative ways of promoting the islands.

With only $6,035,469 earmarked for the government body’s operation for the third straight year, one wonders what little money the MVA has left for programs to attract visitors to Saipan, Tinian and Rota.

In a board meeting yesterday, MVA Board Chair David M. Sablan said board members should stop using “lack of funds” as an excuse. He instead suggested, that they come up with energetic programs that do not require as much funding.

“We should fine tune our program so we can maximize our funds,” Mr. Sablan said. “We all know we are short of funds, let’s try to be practical and stretch what little dollar we have.”

A case study may very well be the MVA’s “Happy Children in Paradise” campaign this summer. A year ago, the promotion consisted of a drawing contest, a raffle and giveaways for children.

With the shortage of funds, MVA may have to cancel the raffle and the drawing contest. However, one idea being mulled is to seek the help of the CNMI’S hotel association.

Another measure suggested during the board meeting was the adoption of decals for accredited members. The decals would be displayed on taxi cabs, restaurants and other establishments to show that they are accredited and duly licensed by the authority.

“These (decals) give added value to the membership of the MVA,” Mr. Sablan said. “It’s important to show them that the MVA is doing something.”

The decal project could also be a source of additional revenue for the MVA, alleviating its fund shortage.

Another issue discussed during the board meeting was the lack of new audio visual material about the CNMI. The latest promotional tape MVA has about the CNMI was shot six years ago.

A cable network in Guam has offered to produce as well as air the AVP at a cost of $100,000.

MVA has earmarked a total of $3.6 million this year for its promotional activities. Of the budget, a little over $2.7 million has been appropriated for campaigns in Japan.

Campaigns for Korea have been appropriated $450,000 and Taiwan $107,000. The balance of the budget is divided by other points of origin.

In a related development, Continental Micronesia President Bill Meehan will keynote today’s General Membership Meeting of the MVA. The event will be held at Gilligan’s at the Hyatt Regency Hotel and will start promptly at 12 noon.