According to the data from the Marianas Visitors Authority, Japanese and Korean visitors who responded to questionnaires checked “pleasure” as their main reason for visiting the islands.
Statistics from the MVA for the first three quarters of 2009 showed that in January, 85.85 percent of the Korean tourists and 71.26 percent of Japanese tourists placed pleasure as number one in their travel plans. In March, 81.17 percent of Koreans and 77.98 percent of Japanese tourists said they were here for pleasure. In April, 85.85 percent of Koreans and 74.32 Japanese visitors answered pleasure as their main reason for visiting. 85.47 percent of the Korean visitors and 72.49 percent of Japanese visitors were here for pleasure in May.
In June, 70.36 percent of the Japanese visitors placed pleasure as their top travel plan, while 90.29 percent of Koreans answered the same. For July, 83.95 percent of Japanese visitors and 95.53 percent of Koreans considered pleasure as their top reason. In August, 89.70 percent of Japanese visitors and 95.54 percent of Korean visitors
In September, 85.92 percent of Japanese visitors and 87.09 percent of Korean tourists placed pleasure as number one in their travel plan.
Next to pleasure, the Korean and Japanese markets consider the NMI as a honeymoon destination.
The CNMI’s top golf facilities continue to lure tourist each month and this is the third attraction for the Korean market. Other tourists from Korea visit the NMI to visit friends or they have other plans.
For the Japanese market, the CNMI’s dive sites are the second biggest attraction next to pleasure. Golf comes next. Some Japanese tourists also visit the islands on company trip and this classification ranks fourth in the travel plans of Japanese tourists.
Travel agents from both Japan and Korea play a major role in bringing tourists to the CNMI.
The data shows that majority of the visitors who come here are encouraged by travel agents. Information from the internet comes second in luring tourists.
Word of mouth from friends and relatives who had been here and visited the tourist attractions also carries weight in bringing more tourists to the islands. The percentage of returning visitors is just more or less 10 percent of the total number of tourists.
The CNMI’s proximity to both Japan and Korea is another motivation for tourists from these markets because it involves only a short flight. Price is another factor the tourists consider since they have to pay lesser airfare than if they decide to visit other countries.
During the cold season in these tourist markets, the number of visitors who come to the CNMI and who are here for the warm climate increases.
The CNMI has plenty to attract tourists not only from Japan and Korea but from other parts of the world as well. The rich historical sites, the pristine beaches and superb dive sites, island culture and cuisine, and the warm smiles and hospitality of the people are some of the reasons to lure tourists to come here.
Business tips for the New Year
New Year’s resolutions are easy to make but hard to stick to, but here are some simple resolutions to help you achieve success in your business for the coming year.
One suggestion is to print these tips and stick it to the wall next to your desk and use it as a guide for the whole year.
1. Set goals.
Ask yourself what you want to do, where you are and where you are headed for. If you don’t have a plan, it will be hard to reach your destination and achieve your goals.
2. Get client referrals.
One customer should lead to another, if you know the technique. Ask your existing clients if they have friends and relatives who may need your services.
3. Set your focus on profit.
You could look at some factors like reducing your overhead, increasing your rates or other aspects of the business that could lead to more profits.
4. Spend time for yourself.
Business should not take you away from your family or hobbies. Try to plan your activities so you will still have time for yourself.
5. Learn from your weaknesses.
Experience is a good teacher. No one is born an expert in business but with dedication, you can upgrade yourself and get more knowledge on the business.
6. Think of more products that will generate income.
Explore more options.
8. Pay more attention to client service.
Remember, your clients are the reason your business exist and the services you offer them should be something that will make them stay with you for more years.
9. Upgrade your techniques through the internet.
There are thousands of blogs or web sites nowadays that give pointers and techniques on how to improve your skills and business acumen. Set some time each day to browse the Web and you will reap the results.
Good luck to your business!
