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MVA, Delta host Japan travel agent tour
The Marianas Visitors Authority and Delta Air Lines recently hosted a familiarization tour for 14 travel agents from Japan, providing participants with first-hand experiences in the Northern Mariana Islands to better sell the destination.
Participating travel agencies were H.I.S., JTB World Vacations, Keikyu Travel, Odakyu Travel, Pacific Micronesia Tours, R & C Tours, Tobu Travel, and Kinki Nippon Tourist. A representative of Delta Air Lines also participated.
The group did inspections of several hotels: Hyatt Regency Saipan, Mariana Resort & Spa, Aqua Resort Club Saipan, Fiesta Resort & Spa, Grandvrio Resort, Saipan World Resort, Kanoa Resort, Century Hotel, LaoLao Bay Golf & Resort, and Pacific Islands Club Saipan.
A number of visitor attractions were enjoyed, including 360 Night Market, Managaha, Let’s Go! UTV Mt. Tapochao tour, Sea Touch marine animal encounter, the Las Vegas-style SandCastle Saipan cocktail show, Forbidden Island, swimming at Grotto, Mandi Asian Spa, an island tour, and Garapan Street Market. Dining was also experienced at Country House Restaurant and 360 Revolving Restaurant.
“Travel agents are a strong influencing factor for many Japanese travelers when it comes to choosing their destination,” said MVA marketing manager Bruce Bateman. “With all they’ve seen and experienced during their visit, these travel agents can now sell our islands more convincingly and effectively to potential visitors. To a person, they all seemed excited to be here and said they learned a lot about the destination.”
The group also took time during their tour to join the tourism industry cleanup in Garapan on April 29, 2015, in anticipation of Japan’s Golden Week holiday and May Tourism Month. (MVA)
