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CNMI pursues aggressive promo campaign in China
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Posted on Jan 20 2005
The Marianas Visitors Authority is stepping up its marketing efforts in China, in light of the current signing of the Approved Destination Status memorandum of understanding between the CNMI and Chinese governments.
MVA managing director Vicky I. Benavente, who is currently attending the 2nd annual Shanghai World Travel Fair, said in a news release that her China trip would also include a press conference in Guangzhou and a reception party for Hong Kong travel agents and media representatives.
“With ADS granted, MVA is now in a position to develop greater awareness of the destination to this potential market,” said Benavente. “We are confident that with our members’ support on island, our offshore offices in place, and the procedural Visitor Entry Permit process with the Department of Immigration, together with Century Tours and the Tinian Dynasty Hotel & Casino, we can garner a fair market share for a diversified tourism base.”
Century Tours and Tinian Dynasty are the only two businesses organizing charter service from China to the Northern Marianas.
Benavente and other MVA officials traveled to China with local entertainers to highlight the CNMI’s culture. She expressed hope that this will bring added public relations and media coverage for the CNMI at the trade fair, which is expected to draw tourism organizations and private companies from over 40 countries.
The four-day fair will run until Jan. 23, Sunday.
MVA, along with the Northern Marianas Divers Association, is also scheduled to participate in Japan’s annual Diving Festival at the end of this month.
“As one of the marketing tactics targeting a niche travel segment, it is imperative that we keep consistent in this low-cost, high-impact promotional opportunity,” Benavente said.
Diving continues to be a major activity for Japanese travelers. At least 38,962 diving enthusiasts visited the islands in fiscal year 2004—an increase by 28.8 percent as compared with FY 2003.
MVA survey results also showed that tourists ranked diving as the second top travel plan when visiting the CNMI.
