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MVA approves $60K for image campaign in Korea
The Marianas Visitors Authority board has approved $60,000 in funding for two familiarization tours for the Korean ad-hoc committee to improve the image of Saipan following the devastation wrought by Typhoon Soudelor.
MVA marketing manager Bruce Bateman presented the two projects to the board last Wednesday, calling it “Return to normalcy FAMS.”
“The Korea ad-hoc committee has met several times since the typhoon to discuss possible disaster mitigation projects with FAM tours highlighting those discussions. At the last full quorum meeting on Sept. 15, the plan was approved,” Bateman said.
The project will inform tour agents that Saipan has returned to normal and the best way to get the word out is to bring key agents to Saipan to see for themselves and spread the news through their networks.
Bateman said the projects would include a tour in October involving 22 key agents.
Another part of the plan includes Korean tourists who need to be reassured that the visitor experience on Saipan is still top quality.
“That is best done via Korean media outlets. Since direct advertising is beyond the budget of the committee, a media [familiarization tour] to bring key media sources to Saipan will be arranged as well in October. Travel trade media will also be invited to reinforce the FAM message,” he said.
The exact amount the board approved for the Korean ad-hoc committee totaled $59,910. Some $30,000 will be for the agents’ FAM tour and some $29,000 would be for the media FAM tour.
MVA board chair Marian Aldan-Pierce and board member James Nelson asked for further details on the particular agents and media that would be coming to the islands.
