MVA a hit at the China International Travel Mart

The Marianas Visitors Authority brought a taste of the Northern Mariana Islands to the China International Travel Mart in Shanghai on Nov. 11-13, 2016.

With over 100,000 people in attendance at the event, the MVA’s booth received a large share of people looking to sign up for package tours and take individually arranged vacations. The MVA management team engaged in promotional efforts with key industry leaders at the NMI exhibition, which received enthusiastic audience feedback and featured Chinese media, government, and other travel industry heavy hitters.

To increase awareness of the NMI amongst Chinese government leaders, the MVA delegation led by board chair Marian Aldan-Pierce and managing director Chris Concepcion met with the director of the China National Tourism Administration and the vice mayor of Shanghai on the opening day of the event. Both government leaders were featured by major China media channels touring the MVA’s booth, which showcased Saipan, Tinian, and Rota as a package tourist destination. During the exhibition, the MVA received positive media coverage and was featured in interviews on some of China’s most influential media channels, including CCTV and China’s version of YouTube, Youku. The event was also covered by the Shanghai TV station and many members of Shanghai’s mainstream media channels, featuring the NMI as the ideal tropical destination especially for the New Year.

“During the past year, mainland China has become the NMI’s largest tourism industry contributor,” said Concepcion. “The MVA values the onward development of this gigantic and very promising market. Our goal for the 2016 CITM was to enhance the awareness of the NMI in China and to strengthen cooperation with numerous industry peers. We are striving to make Saipan, Tinian, and Rota the first choice for island travel for Chinese tourists.”

Last fiscal year, the NMI welcomed over 200,000 Chinese tourists, comprising 41 percent of total visitor arrivals.

“To breach the 200,000 benchmark this year is a very good accomplishment,” Concepcion added.

To secure a share of the over 2 million Chinese tourists traveling overseas to island destinations, two major outbound travel agencies—Dynasty Holidays and Century Tours—were invited to conduct promotional activities and to introduce Chinese tourists to the beauty and charm of the NMI.

The MVA’s exhibition featured cultural dances by indigenous Carolinian dancers who were clad in traditional outfits, traditional lessons in weaving, and a countdown to 2017 New Year travel packages. The booth featured tropical themes and highlighted prominent features of the islands. Blue was selected as the main theme color, with round light boxes evoking diving elements. Shell shapes were reminiscent of beautiful beaches while a jellyfish inspired counter was set against a backdrop modeling harbor views. The Northern Marianas exhibition also commemorated the special event with souvenirs and gifts featuring links to the MVA’s official website, Wechat, and Weibo platforms in China to provide further information about the NMI.

Since its debut inception in 2001, the CITM has become the largest travel mart in Asia, supported by global travel industry factions. (MVA)