CNMI shines in largest travel fair in Japan

The Northern Marianas—Saipan, Tinian, and Rota—was recently showcased at the largest trade and travel fair in Japan. The Japan Association of Travel Agents and World Trade Fair was held in Tokyo, Japan from Sept. 23 to 26.

The Marianas Visitors Authority, together with 15 of its members in the private sector of the tourism industry, has been planning for the past 10 months with JATA/WTF organizers. Located in the Tokyo International Exhibition Center, the JATA/World Travel Fair provides a unique opportunity for travel trade and exhibition of destinations to travel agents, media representatives, and consumers in Japan. Featuring over 700 booths, the show attracts over 100,000 visitors and features 30,000 travel trade and media representatives.

The JATA Congress on Sept. 23, 2004 at the Tokyo Big Site Convention Center presented case studies, and analytical research on Japan’s outbound travelers and current travel trends. The theme for this year’s Congress—“Paving the Way for Japan’s Individual Travel”—brought together a select panel of industry professionals from airlines, hotel companies, travel agencies, tour operators, and local receptive operator to present how their organizations are adapting and responding to the needs of individual travelers.

During the Congress, participants explored and debated the ways travel agencies and tour operators can work together with travel destinations to satisfy the needs of this market and provide delegates with insights for expanding their business.

MVA received key travel industry contacts, all of whom are planners, purchasers and decision makers at tour wholesalers and travel agencies throughout Japan.

The Mariana Islands was distinguished as a premier destination, with a line-up of interactive activities conducted at the Marianas booth.

These activities include cultural performances by local artists, demonstrations of arts and crafts, such as mwar mwar-making, bead creations, and banana art. Photo opportunities with Saipan-da, the destination quiz, and a promotional stamp rally were also conducted.

The seminar for travel agencies and media representatives was held during the JATA/World Travel Fair with an attendance of 120 participants. During the seminar, travel agents and media representatives received detailed presentations about the Marianas and services available to potential visitors.

“JATA/World Travel Fair is the largest, most widely recognized and attended event in Japan,” said Vicky Benavente, MVA managing director. “Featuring the Marianas is critical to maintain our destination’s presence in the mindset of our largest travel market. At JATA/World Travel Fair there were over 70,000 visitors and 30,000 travel trade representatives. We had the opportunity to address Japan travel agents and media representatives to familiarize the very people that will sell our destination to consumers.”

For more information on the JATA/WTF event, contact the Marianas Visitors Authority at (670) 664-3200 or by facsimile to (670) 664-3237.