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Local biz urged to create products for China market
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Posted on Jan 26 2005
The Marianas Visitors Authority is urging the private sector to develop products or services that cater mainly to Chinese tourists.
MVA chair David Sablan observed that the CNMI is currently not able to maximize the economic benefits of the China market because few businesses offer goods that appeal to the Chinese.
“Chinese visitors would like to go shopping. But right now, the only thing we have going for us, other than the hotels and optional tours, are duty free shops,” said Sablan. “The Chinese tourists would like to see some handicrafts made in the CNMI, or go to restaurants that serve local cuisine. We’re lacking in both areas today.”
MVA is ready to coordinate the establishment of such businesses with the local community, he added.
At the Saipan Rotary Club meeting on Tuesday, MVA managing director Vicky Benavente made a presentation on the Approved Destination Status given by the Chinese government to the CNMI.
Benavente said the ADS signing brought various opportunities for the CNMI, including increased number of visitors who will spend in the islands, new investment, and a diversified tourism base.
Chinese tourists, she said, rank second only to the Japanese in terms of spending. The average spending of a Chinese traveler is about $2,500 per trip.
However, Benavente also said the CNMI faces challenges as a result of the opening up of the China market. These include communication issues, environmental concerns, health issues, impact of the China market to other markets, and dietary requirements unique to the Chinese markets.
“Customers from China are not going to be like the others. We want to go after the quality tourists. So please advise MVA: how then do you want us to market the CNMI in China?” she said.
