MVA asks for $1M to promote the CNMI

The Marianas Visitors Authority is asking the CNMI government $1 million for its marketing campaign, particularly for the China market, on the heels of the Commonwealth obtaining Approved Destination Status from the Chinese government.

During a membership meeting of the Saipan Chamber of Commerce at the Aqua Resort Club’s Raraina Restaurant yesterday, MVA managing director Vicky Benavente said the agency needs the funding support so it can adequately market the CNMI in this relatively new market.

Citing statistics, Benavente said Chinese outbound travel reached approximately 19 million in 2003. The Asia Pacific region remains a destination of choice among Chinese travelers, with 83 percent of China’s outbound travels going to the region.

Chinese outbound travel has consistently soared in the past years, outpacing the growth in outbound Japanese travel. In 2003, outbound travel from China reached almost the same level as that of Japan, which registered at less than 20 million.

Benavente said the ADS would allow the CNMI to diversify its tourism base. Japan and Korea are currently among the CNMI’s main tourism markets.

Benavente cited the CNMI’s proximity to China and the simple visa system in the Commonwealth as advantages in attracting Chinese tourists to the Northern Marianas. The CNMI’s being a U.S. territory, its safe image and pristine environment are also advantages, she said.

Local industry players have been upbeat about the anticipated influx of Chinese tourists in the CNMI, following the granting of ADS status. Benavente said that the CNMI is the first U.S. destination to be granted ADS status, which allows the Commonwealth to openly advertise and promote the islands as a tourist destination in China.

Hotel Association of the Northern Mariana Islands president Lynn Knight said that, if other countries can diversify their market base, “we believe we can do it successfully.”

Tinian Dynasty Hotel and Casino’s Tom Liu lauded the Commonwealth Ports Authority in asking the federal government to allow international flights on Tinian’s airport, expressing optimism that the request would eventually be granted. Century Tours said there might be chartered flights from Beijing possibly by March.