MVA releases list of events for 2005

As the Marianas Visitors Authority begins to close the door on another successful campaign in 2004, they have released a list of events for 2005 that should further enhance the Northern Mariana Islands as a preferred sports and leisure travel destination in the Pacific.

There are several major events that are scheduled to take place the upcoming year, as 2005 comes flying out of the gate in January with a 10-kilometer run and a marathon. February picks up right where January leaves off, as the Marianas Open Windsurfing returns to Saipan, followed by the Turquoise Blue Triathlon and Reef Swim in Tinian.

The MVA lets the region get a breather in March, leaps into spring when the Flame Tree Arts Festival returns along with the Tagaman Triathlon, Beach Aerobics, and the 2005 XTERRA Saipan Championship.

In May, there is food aplenty, as the CNMI will certainly enjoy the Taste of the Marianas and all of the Tinian Fiesta Events, while June provides all with the opportunity to burn off the calories during the 3rd Annual Escape from Managaha.

The 21st Annual Saipan International Fishing Tournament should bring in another record catch of captains and crews in August, and the San Francisco De Borja Fiesta in October and the Blue Triathlon in November will surely bring the masses to Rota.

“As part of the event line up for the year, the MVA will come up with a media plan that will include coverage of each event to be exposed in our major markets such as Japan, Korea, and China” said Vicky Benavente, managing director.

Benavente further added that the advertisement value that the CNMI will receive as a result of MVA’s continued effort in obtaining more sports magazine writers and reporters to cover these events, will total an estimated publicity exposure value worth millions of dollars.

“Considering that the CNMI will be investing some $500,000 in FY 2005 to stage major events, such as the XTERRA Saipan Championship and the Taste of the Marianas Food Festival, in return for millions of dollars of media exposure, is worth every dollar invested from the CNMI,” said Benavente.

According to Benevente, the MVA has a number of small-scale events in addition to the highlighted events, in which they are either involved through direct coordination, or through sponsorship.

“These events are planned throughout the year that are designed to cater more at the community level, such as the CNMI Tourism Month, bowling tournaments, fun runs, Christmas in the Marianas, golf tournaments, kids fishing derby, beach volleyball and many more,” said Benavente.

The MVA also believes that product development plays an important role in marketing a destination as well as enhancing the relationship between the community and international visitors.

For more information about the MVA Calendar of 2005 events, please contact the Marianas Visitors Authority at (670) 664-3200, by fax (670) 664-3237, or visit the website at www.mymarianas.com.