THE Marianas Visitors Authority has no immediate plans to revive its marketing and promotional efforts in Russia despite a study made by an independent travel agent that the CNMI has a good chance to attract tourists from the world’s largest nation.
In an interview, acting MVA Managing Director Vicky I. Benavente said funding is a major issue.
Benavente said although MVA previously considered Russia as another market for the local tourism industry, this idea cannot be pursued due to the agency’s limited budget.
She said in order to promote the CNMI in Russia, MVA promotional materials must be printed in Russian, an effort that would entail additional costs.
She added that the distance between the CNMI and Russia is also an obstacle. MVA would need to constantly communicate with its chosen travel representative in Russia, she added.
“Those types of things involve costs that are quite astronomical and out of our budget,” Benavente said.
“We are always looking for ways to utilize our budget. And how do we do that? By doing the best we can with the amount given to us,” she added.
Last April, a Guam-based travel agency owner urged the local government to “pay more attention” to Russian tourists.
