Marianas Tourism Office Allocates $1.8M for Korea Marketing and $1M for Japan Promotion

In a recent meeting of the Northern Marianas Commonwealth Legislature, officials discussed significant funding allocations aimed at boosting tourism in the islands, particularly through marketing efforts in key international markets like Korea and Japan. The meeting highlighted the importance of strategic partnerships and promotional activities to attract visitors and investors to the region.

A key focus was the $1.8 million budget for the Korea office, which is tasked with enhancing awareness of the Marianas as a travel destination. This office will collaborate with various partners, including influencers and promoters, to create demand and facilitate travel to the islands. Officials emphasized the role of these partnerships in organizing events such as roadshows and seminars, which are designed to showcase the Marianas and attract potential tourists.

In addition to the Korea office, the Japan office has a separate contract worth $1 million, also dedicated to marketing and promotion. Legislators clarified that funding from the Northern Marianas Housing Corporation (NMHC) for promotional activities is distinct from the budgets allocated for these offshore offices. The NMHC funds are specifically restricted to marketing efforts, which include travel expenses for trade shows and global branding initiatives.

The meeting also addressed the use of Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBGDR) funds, which have been utilized for various marketing activities, including advertisements in local and international publications. These funds have supported initiatives such as media blitz programs in Korea, which included advertisements in public transportation and entertainment venues.

As the Northern Marianas continues to navigate the challenges of attracting tourists post-pandemic, these discussions underscore the government's commitment to enhancing the islands' visibility and appeal in competitive markets. The outcomes of these marketing strategies will be closely monitored as officials aim to revitalize the local economy through increased tourism.