Dive map mobile app in Korean features Marianas

In July2019, the Marianas Visitors Authority launched the first-ever Korean language dive map to promote the underwater attractions of the Marianas. Korea is the largest visitor source market for the Pacific destination. (MVA)

The Marianas Visitors Authority has released a new dive map mobile app in Korean, the first of its kind in the Marianas’ largest source market.

The Marianas Dive Map app is based on The Marianas Dive Map Guidebook developed by the MVA earlier this year. The app introduces popular and hidden dive spots on illustrated maps of Saipan, Tinian, Rota, and Goat Island. Users can select different locations on the map and read a short description about the dive spot along with a photo or illustration. A button is placed allowing users to easily download the map to their device. The app is downloadable on both iOS and Android devices nd is already available on the Google Play Store, with the App Store to follow shortly.

Another major feature of the app is real time information on current weather and tides. Claimed to be one of the most useful resource for actual divers, the function enables divers to find out the best conditions when heading into the waters. Besides such features, the app provides a detailed checklist of what divers must bring with them on their trip to the Marianas including official documents, equipment, and necessities. Users may download printable documents they need to fill out prior to arrival and may also find samples guiding first time

travelers. The app also contains a list of current dive shops located in Saipan, Tinian, and Rota with a short description, address, and contact information.

“The primary purpose of this app is to expose the vast underwater world of The Marianas to potential leisure travelers and to position our islands as an ultimate haven for water and leisure sports lovers in Korea,” said MVA managing director Priscilla M. Iakopo. “The guidebook has received acclaim from general scuba-divers both in Korea and locally.”

The initial Korea-language Marianas Dive Map/Guidebook has also been translated to English and Chinese and distributed by the MVA at tradeshows and leisure exhibitions this year, including the 2019 Asia Dive Expo in Singapore, the largest and longest-running dive show in Asia.

Marianas honorary tourism ambassador Jaehoon Lee filmed a short introductory clip celebrating the release of the Dive Map app. As a scuba-diving enthusiast himself with more than 2,500 dives on his diving log and as a diving instructor, Lee has been regularly visiting The Marianas to promote leisure sports and has taken photos and videos during his visits to gather footage for various use. In the video, Lee introduces The Marianas as a heaven for scuba-divers and invites viewers who are curious to download the app to find out more about different dive spots.

Using the interview video of Lee as a teaser, the MVA also initiated a social media consumer event on Instagram from June 18 –28 to promote the app to a wider audience. The online event aimed to increase engagement on MVA’s Korean social media channels and to entice consumers who have interest in leisure travel, particularly scuba-diving. The event generated nearly 590,000 impressions and over 138,000 video views. (MVA)