MVA: Travelers still interested

“Dear Meat for Dinner” YouTube host Rob Arrington visits the remote island of Pagan in an episode filmed in the Marianas in July 2020. The Marianas Visitors Authority continues to receive inquiries from potential travelers worldwide interested in visiting the 14-island archipelago. (MVA)

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic which has stalled travel worldwide, the Marianas Visitors Authority continues to field inquiries from individuals interested in visiting the Marianas.

MVA offices in the Marianas, Korea, Japan, and Taiwan continue to receive questions related to quarantine requirements, immigration, customs, flight information, marketing campaigns, and tourist spots and activities. For example, the MVA received 65 phone inquiries in Korea last month, with about half of the callers seeking information on entry requirements.

“We can see that there continues to be awareness of the Marianas and interest among potential travelers to visit the destination,” said MVA managing director Priscilla M. Iakopo. “As the government and tourism industry continue to work toward the safe reopening of the destination, we are optimistic that our unique appeal as a resort destination, as well as our strong response against COVID-19, will work in our favor when we are able to reopen.”

Following recent exposure of the destination by YouTube channel “Deer Meat for Dinner,” which has been in production on the islands since June 2020, the MVA has also received inquiries about the remote Northern Islands and hunting opportunities. The show and host Robert Arrington has produced 19 videos about the Marianas this year, generating over 10 million views and over $351 million worth of ad exposure value.

“What a beautiful place with such history!” said one viewer. “Really makes me think about the bravery and mental fortitude of the men that fought for our country. Makes sense why they are named the greatest generation. …I definitely hope to take my family there someday.”

Another viewer wrote the MVA directly about plans to visit.

“My wife…and I started planning our trip to the Marianas after Robert’s first videos of his first visit to your wonderful paradise. I do not plan to hunt, but I intend to camp (away from the wild cows), go fishing, crabbing, and play some music for some of you on my guitar,” wrote the viewer last month. “This second visit of his to your islands is only strengthening my resolve to come visit your wonderful island paradise.”

“Deer Meat for Dinner” first aired episodes from the Marianas in 2018 featuring the island of Rota and is now producing a series covering the entire 14-island archipelago.

“We’ve also been contacted by a group interested in filming an educational documentary in the Northern Islands next year, and we hope their plans will solidify,” said Iakopo. “We’re excited that despite the special logistical needs, the Northern Islands are starting to generate visitor demand, as well.”

For more information on the Marianas, visit www.mymarianas.com. (MVA)