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MVA debuts at int’l travel exposition in Hong Kong
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- Marianas Visitors Authority managing director Christopher A. Concepcion, fourth from right, joins other representatives of the Brand USA pavilion at the 31st International Travel Expo Hong Kong on June 15, 2017. The Marianas has direct flights from Hong Kong served by Hong Kong Airlines and HK Express. (Contributed Photo)
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- 2013 Miss China Universe Jin Ye accepts her appointment as honorary tourism ambassador by the Marianas Visitors Authority at the 31st International Travel Expo Hong Kong on June 15, 2017. Pictured from left are MVA Beijing marketing manager Adam Li, MVA HQ marketing specialist Laura Hsiao, Jin, MVA managing director Christopher A. Concepcion, and MVA Guangzhou marketing manager Yukee Chen. (MVA)
For the first time ever, the Marianas Visitors Authority joined the annual International Travel Expo Hong Kong and MICE Travel Expo to promote the Marianas.
On June 15, the MVA joined Brand USA at the 31st ITE Hong Kong at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center, sharing the allures of the Marianas with expo attendees.
“Our message was that our unique natural tourism resources, fascinating historical and cultural customs, and wonderful leisure holiday experience make the Marianas the best choice for Chinese tourists in Hong Kong and South China,” said MVA managing director Christopher A. Concepcion.
One highlight of the expo was Concepcion’s appointment of 2013 Miss China Universe Jin Ye as honorary tourism ambassador for the Marianas. Jin shared memories of her recent visit to Saipan with the attending media and audience, sharing the charm of the high-end holiday experience she had in the Marianas.
“Ms. Jin has a fresh and vigorous image as well as a really easygoing personality. She is the perfect match for the Marianas,” said Concepcion. “In addition, she is also a traveling talent who challenges herself and enjoys all kinds of outdoor activities. We believe that in our one-year partnership with Ms. Jin, we will be able to demonstrate the enchanting charm of the Marianas to the people of China.”
So far this fiscal year, the Marianas has welcomed 146,159 visitors from China, comprising 34 percent of all visitors to the islands. China is the second largest source market this fiscal year, after South Korea, and the number of Chinese visitors has shown steady, above average monthly growth.
This year in China, the MVA has promoted “The Marianas” brand image to create an international image for Saipan, Tinian and Rota as a destination with high renown, yet still unique. With the launch of “Marianas Sports Season,” “Marianas Taste Season,” and other promotional themes, the MVA has also helped create diverse travel options for travelers.
In addition to non-stop flights from Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Hong Kong, nearly 20 cities in China have connections to the Francisco C. Ada-Saipan International Airport. Hong Kong Airlines and HK Express both opened direct flights from Hong Kong to Saipan in July 2016 and January 2017, respectively. In addition, HK Express also added extra flights starting this summer, providing flights to Saipan every day except Fridays. The convenient air routes have helped create many varied travel options for visitors from Hong Kong and South China. (MVA)
