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Advertising the CNMI
This is an open letter to Gov. Eloy Inos and the Marianas Visitors Authority. Does MVA try to find other markets for the CNMI besides Asia? Is the MVA getting the support from the government that it really it needs?
I left Saipan in 2003 and ever since moving here, I always pick up travel magazines and other high-end publications that have travel sections and I look for ads for the CNMI.
Over the years here in the mainland, I have found numerous ads for Palau, the FSM, and other Pacific Island destinations. I have yet to find one single ad for the CNMI—ANYWHERE.
Once in a blue moon, I will find an ad for Guam. From first hand experience, I can tell you that 90 percent of U.S. mainlanders have no idea even of the existence of the CNMI. Some (not very many) know of Guam and even fewer can point it out to you on a map.
Granted the cost of getting to the CNMI is insanely expensive (I can fly round trip to Thailand from here in Washington for under $1,000. Round trip to Saipan is currently in the $2,500 range) but, the MVA needs to start looking elsewhere besides China, Taiwan, Russia, and other parts of Asia and advertise the CNMI around the globe.
The CNMI has world-class diving and fishing to offer, as well as its rich and varied culture and food. I truly believe once the word gets out about what an awesome destination the Northern Marianas is, it really will need more hotel rooms and not just another casino.
Paul H. Beebe
Spokane, Washington
