MVA told to tap Japan’s senior travelers, people with disabilities

The Marianas Visitors Authority should tap the growing market of senior Japanese travelers and people with disabilities by creating campaigns that will entice them to visit the CNMI.

This was one of the recommendations made by a group of travel agencies, airlines and publishing firms included in the survey conducted by the Tokyo-based K.K. Creative Assist last September.

According to the survey, MVA should distribute flyers and travel pamphlets among Japanese travel agents to make them aware of the marketing campaigns of the CNMI.

In addition, the respondents emphasized the need for the local tourism office to create a long-term plan that will set the direction of MVA’s campaign.

Aside from its proximity to Japan, the strengths of the Northern Marianas as a destination includes its beautiful ocean, undeveloped nature, availability of diving spots (from beginners to advance).

The Japanese marketing firm conducted the in-depth interview among six travel agents, namely Holiday Tours Micronesia Co. Ltd., Jalpak Co. Ltd., Pacific Micronesia Tours, Inc., Nippon Travel Agency Co. Ltd., and Tokyu Tourist Corp.

Also interviewed were Japan Airlines, Northwest Airlines, PIA Corp., Sun eighty (Diver) and Travel Journal.

The respondents regard the CNMI as a friendly and safe destination for Japanese tourists, a relaxing place where people can commune with nature. The beautiful ocean in Rota is highly considered a positive strength as well as the casino in Tinian.

However, the respondents cited the low number of direct flights to Saipan, limited number of regular special events held every year, failure to continue constant TV tie-up programs and advertisements and lack of main entertainment facilities on the island as among the weaknesses of the CNMI.

The Japanese tour operators, airlines and publishing firms also criticized what they described as expensive food and lack of cleanliness in Managaha, a favorite destination among visiting Japanese in the CNMI.

Among the improvements in facilities which should be made in Managaha Island includes improvement on the quality of food which must be sold at cheaper price and cleanliness of toilets and shower stands. The respondents said water from the shower contains seawater.

The respondents also recommended the establishment of public facilities for individual tourists to allow them to take an easy walk around hotels and nursery facilities to accommodate family tourists.