MVA woos military market to the Marianas

The Marianas Visitors Authority continues to look for strategic ways to woo more service member visitors to the Marianas, noting that military R&R is a small but important niche market for the destination.

Most recently, the MVA joined other delegates from the Marianas at the Quality of Life EXPO 2024 last month in Guam, a travel show organized by Joint Region Marianas to showcase regional resources and services to military service members and their families. As of the last census, there were an estimated 22,000 service members stationed in Guam, with more military anticipated in coming years.

“The military market has always been on the MVA’s radar, and we have consistently participated in preparations for the many, many R&R port calls that military ships have made over the decades,” said MVA managing director Christopher A. Concepcion. “In fact, Saipan has built a very good reputation for being a beautiful, nature-based port call where our military personnel feel welcomed. With the military buildup in Guam and region, we are working closely with our military contacts to spread the word that Saipan, Tinian, and Rota are ideal places to relax with family, have adventures with friends, and rejuvenate.”

The MVA joined 83 other vendors at last month’s expo, include the Rota Mayor’s Office, Aqua Resort Club, Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan, Triple J, Star Marianas Air, Let’s Go Tour, Commonwealth Bureau of Military Affairs, and CNMI Small Business Development Center. The MVA shared promotional information and brochures about the Marianas and MVA members. Over 2,200 individuals attended the event.

The MVA had also placed ads for January’s Rota Marathon 2024 and this month’s Skechers Saipan Marathon 2024 in the Guam publication of Stars and Stripes, the U.S. military news organization providing independent news and information to the military community. The MVA also joined Joint Region Marianas and the Saipan Chamber of Commerce in organizing the Morale, Welfare, and Recreation Quality of Life Program held on Saipan in December 2024, highlighting travel partnership opportunities. (PR)