By Haidee V. Eugenio
Variety Assistant Editor

DUE to limited government funding, the Marianas Visitors Authority is now tapping other entities to sponsor tourism projects at the Saipan International Airport which it describes as a “blank canvas ready to showcase the beauty, the people and the culture of the CNMI.”
MVA member Lynn Knight, who is also the president of the Hotel Association of the Northern Mariana Islands, on Tuesday asked Rotary Club of Saipan members and guests to “partner” with MVA by sharing their “creativity” and through sponsorship of the planned exhibits and artwork at the airport.
Knight provided a presentation about an update on the administration’s five-year strategic tourism plan for the CNMI which MVA described in July as somewhat “unrealistic” and should be revised — from the target 1 million arrivals in 2010 to 750,000 — equivalent to the local industry’s peak in 1997.
But Knight focused on the airport enhancement project, the goals of which include showcasing exhibits and artwork that will enhance the visitor experience, and using the airport’s interior spaces for niche marketing to encourage repeat visits.
The same kind of partnership shown by the painting of one side of the arrivals hallway by approximately 50 volunteers on May 4 is needed to continue enhancing the airport. MVA plans to paint the departure area as well.
Another plan is to commission an artwork by a well-known celebrity in Japan for the Saipan airport.
MVA is also looking at having new signage at the airport.
Another key component of the airport enhancement project is the niche exhibit, to feature giant photos of CNMI nature sites to support ecotourism, as well as photographs that will promote the CNMI’s sports, history and culture.
For the sports section to be located at the right side of the departure lounge, MVA is working with the NMASA to identify photos that honor local athletes. It is also looking for good quality photos of sports events like fishing derbies, scuba diving, golf, baseball, soccer, windsurfing and soccer.
MVA also envisions an exhibit of cultural artifacts, local crafts and museum items at the airport, and the theme or items will change seasonally. Corporate sponsorships are also available.
The airport will also have a children’s play area on the right side of the departure area, to be sponsored by Northwest Airlines for a period of three years at $5,000.
Knight said MVA is also looking to feature winning entries from the Marianas diving photo contest, the Flame Tree photo contest and the Micronesia Challenge photo contest, as well as photos taken by locals and visitors.
Lastly, MVA — at the request of the Commonwealth Ports Authority — is looking to have an area at the airport where photos or an exhibit honor CNMI soldiers.