NMI shines at Beijing Int’l Tourism Expo

The Marianas Visitors Authority attended the Beijing International Tourism Expo 2008, an event that was hailed as a “big success” by both the organizers and the exhibitors.

According to the main organizer, the Beijing Tourism Administration, BITE 2008’s critical success factors were attributed to distinct themes, strong support from both the domestic and international exhibitors and highlighting the 29th Olympics. The event gained international attention and recognition, attracting interest from many participating countries. In all, ambassadors and tourism officials from 50 embassies in China graced the opening of BITE 2008.

Following its successful participation in last year’s BITE, this year the Marianas Visitors Authority, Century Tours and Tinian Dynasty Holiday jointly participated in BITE 2008 and achieved great results, despite the Beijing flights’ suspension. Leng Bai, marketing specialist of MVA China, headed the delegation and was joined by Ronald Chan, general manager of Century Tours; Want Lei, general manager of Tinian Dynasty Holiday’s Beijing office; and Cissy Chang, general manager of Century Tours Beijing , along with the marketing and sales staff of Century Tours and Tinian Dynasty Holiday.

MVA had a 27-square meter booth, which was decorated in CNMI island-style using images of Managaha Island, Blue Grotto, Blow Hole and Latte Stones, which are the key attractions of the CNMI. During the three-day show in Beijing, Leng Bai handled the trade and public inquiries, accepted media interviews, distributed the promotional materials and conducted the sales calls with those key travel agents in Beijing who were present at BITE.

On June 18, 2008, Leng Bai, Ronald Chan, Wang Lei, Cissy Cheung, and Donal Keung were invited to attend the VIP dinner and opening ceremony of BITE by the organizer, Beijing Tourism Administration. At the dinner, the CNMI delegation talked with industry people and exchanged ideas on the development of China’s outbound travel market with exhibitors from other overseas destinations.

During the three-day exhibition itself, visitors were treated to fascinating and entertaining cultural performances from nine countries and regions, including Egypt, Korea, Northern Marianas, Mexico, Sri Lanka, Syria, Taiwan, Tunisia and Turkey. Domestic exhibitors from 10 provinces and cities like Beijing, Heibei, Shanxi, Tibet, Xinjiang and Zhangjiajie also put on dazzling performances.

“MVA was pleased to participate in this very worthwhile show in Beijing,” said MVA managing director Perry Tenorio. “With the world’s attention on Beijing with the Olympics, it was great to showcase our islands in the China market.” [B][I](MVA)
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