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MVA raises NMI profile in Taiwan
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Posted on Jan 18 2006
Although tourist arrivals from Taiwan dropped tremendously in late 2005, the Marianas Visitors Authority disclosed efforts to revive the market, following the Commonwealth Ports Authority’s statement that a Taiwanese carrier might soon introduce flight services to Saipan.
The MVA said yesterday it would hold a media event in Taiwan to promote the islands and participate in today’s launching of a Taiwanese tourist guidebook entitled “Sunshine, Sand, Beach, and Saipan.”
The guidebook, created by BOTH TECHART Co. Ltd., highlights the CNMI’s attributes that have made the islands a tourist destination, according to the MVA. In a media statement, the MVA also said its participation in the press conference would enhance the CNMI’s media exposure.
“Although visitor numbers are minimal, there is still a potential in the Taiwan market. One-third of the Taiwan population is traveling outbound, one of every three persons is on an international flight whether on business or leisure,” said MVA marketing manager Wayne Pangelinan.
The MVA noted that it coordinated media familiarization trips for Idson Communication Co., Ltd. and Channel V from Taiwan last year. The MVA said both groups filmed on Saipan and Tinian, which gave the CNMI media exposure to Taiwan and mainland China.
Pangelinan and Fiesta Resort & Spa general manager Jackson Yang will participate in today’s press conference in Taiwan. “Yang has been very instrumental in publicizing the destination in Taipei, Taiwan. Through Mr. Yang’s efforts, we are looking at the CNMI attracting more Taiwanese visitors to the CNMI,” Pangelinan said.
Last month, only 25 visitors from Taiwan came to the islands, nose-diving by 92 percent from December 2004 figures. The CNMI only had 15 visitors from Taiwan in November 2005, declining by 95 percent compared with the November 2004 arrivals. The CNMI played host to 2,588 visitors from Taiwan in 2005.
