MVA joins JATA Tourism EXPO 2018

Marianas Visitors Authority deputy managing director Judy Torres, center in blue, and the Marianas delegation to JATA Travel Expo 2018 from Sept. 20-24, 2018, in Tokyo, Japan. (Photos by MVA)

The Marianas Visitors Authority joined representatives of over 130 other international countries and regions and 1,441 businesses and organizations at JATA Tourism EXPO 2018, Japan’s largest annual travel show, on Sept. 20-23, 2018.

The number of attendees reached a record 207,000 visitors over the four-day period. JATA Tourism EXPO 2018 was held at Tokyo Big Sight and attracted national tourism agencies, airlines, hotels, travel agencies, cruise companies, other tourism professionals, and the traveling public. The MVA joined other exhibitors in providing the latest tourism information to visitors and professional members of the travel trade. This year, about 66,000 tourism professionals joined the event on the travel trade day on Sep. 20-21, while an estimated 74,000 and 67,000 consumers joined the third and fourth days of the event, respectively.

“It is important that The Marianas remains in the mindset of our Japanese travelers,” said MVA Deputy Managing Director Judy Torres. “Through our presence at JATA Tourism Expo this year, we used video presentation, cultural activities, information distribution, and personal interaction to highlight the many outstanding experiences offered in Saipan, Tinian, and Rota. We want to let Japanese travelers know that we have much to offer as a destination, and that they are always welcome in The Marianas.”

Art titled “A Day in The Marianas” by Tomio and “Marianasgenic Spots” featured in the design of the MVA booth, while a 3D trick art photo backdrop gave the illusion of parasailing over Managaha. A 150-in. screen played The Marianas 30 Treasures video and the official MVA image song “Lookin’ for” by popular hip-hop group Doberman Infinity.

At the MVA booth, representatives of the Marianas distributed promotional information, answered questions, and distributed giveaways. Miss Marianas 2018 Celine Cabrera greeted guests, Marianas-chan danced to Jet Plane, and both assisted with audience quizzes. Pickles the Frog, a character that introduced its Marianas version last year, participated in guest photo opportunities with Miss Marianas and Marianas-chan.

PDI led a hands-on workshop to teach mwar-making (flower head lei) and coconut frond weaving. Guests also had the opportunity to sample Marianas coffee and Marianas Tropical Breeze drinks.

The event is organized by Japan Travel and Tourism Association and Japan Association of Travel Agents. JATA Tourism EXPO is internationally recognized as one of the largest travel events in the world and presents Japan as a tourism nation to the world, further developing outbound, inbound and domestic travel by bringing together the combined strengths of not only the tourism industry, but all industries in Japan and its local communities. JATA Tourism EXPO provides opportunities for travel professionals to exchange travel information and conduct effective business meetings, while inspiring consumers through the power of travel. (MVA)

3D trick art gives the illusion of parasailing over Managaha at the Marianas Visitors Authority’s booth to JATA Travel Expo 2018 from Sept. 20-24, 2018, in Tokyo, Japan.

Marianas-chan dances at the Marianas Visitors Authority’s booth to JATA Travel Expo 2018 from Sept. 20-24, 2018, in Tokyo, Japan.

Miss Marianas Celine Cabrera, Pickles the Frog, Marianas-chan, and a young visitor at the Marianas Visitors Authority’s booth to JATA Travel Expo 2018 from Sept. 20-24, 2018, in Tokyo, Japan.

PDI managing director Gordon Marciano, front left, and team teach coconut frond weaving at the Marianas Visitors Authority’s booth to JATA Travel Expo 2018 from Sept. 20-24, 2018, in Tokyo, Japan.