(MVA) — A recent consumer report in South Korea ranks the Marianas among the Top 10 most satisfying destinations worldwide among both domestic and overseas travelers.
Consumer Insight, a public opinion research agency providing insights about the behavior of Korean consumers, recently announced its “2024 Overall Satisfaction with Domestic and Overseas Travel Destinations” based on a survey of over 12,000 people who have traveled overseas within the last year. Saipan ranked #9 following Switzerland, Austria, Hawaii, Spain, Czechoslovakia, Australia, Italy, and New Zealand and higher than Japan.
“It’s great news that Korean visitors to the Marianas — who make up over 75% of all our visitors — are overwhelmingly satisfied with their visit,” said Marianas Visitors Authority Marketing Specialist Skye Han. “These survey results highlight what we’re doing right as a destination — aggressive marketing, protecting and promoting our pristine nature environment of both land and sea, and sharing our warm island hospitality and culture.”
The Marianas — represented by the capital island of Saipan in the survey — scored 758 in overall satisfaction score, which is 52 points higher compared to 2023. Last year, Saipan’s overall ranking in the world was #24, and this year’s jump to #9 marks the highest year-on-year increase among all listed destinations.
“What is important now is to remain focused on improvements that are within our local control,” said MVA Managing Director Christopher A. Concepcion. “Protecting and ensuring the safety of our visitors, addressing blighted buildings, enhancing our islands, and ensuring our visitors have an informed and safe visit with trained tour guides. There’s still much to be done to give our guests in Saipan, Tinian, and Rota that great experience they are seeking when they choose our destination.”
Last fiscal year, over 177,000 Koreans visited the Marianas via direct flights from Seoul-Incheon.
A South Korean tourist at the Managaha Marine Conservation Area of Saipan.
Visiting South Korean children at a memorial in the historic and scenic Marpi region of Saipan in 2023. A recent satisfaction survey of Koreans who have travelled within the last year ranked the Marianas #9 among worldwide destinations.
