This was what the Marianas Visitors Authority and its representative office in South Korea revealed yesterday as they presented the latest figures and facts about their ongoing campaign in the Korean market.
According to MVA, the CNMI noted a 32 percent growth in Korean arrivals this fiscal year — from 98,403 in FY 2007 to 129,389.
For next fiscal year, tour agents are hopeful that they could bring in 165,186 guests from South Korea.
MVA is counting on the commitment of Asiana Airlines which will add more flights from Seoul and Busan.
MVA records indicated that there were 69,480 Koreans who visited the CNMI in 2004; 65,049 in 2005; and 80,764 in 2006.
According to MVA, a high awareness of the CNMI as a travel destination is an important factor in achieving the agency’s goals for the Korean market.
MVA said its activities in Korea included an increased media coverage for the CNMI, strengthening travel trade relationships and expanding Web marketing.
MVA said it will continue to work closely with Asiana and other travel partners.
Tour representatives, however, said Korean tourists find that there is limited and insufficient tourism infrastructure in the CNMI.
The increased fuel surcharge is also a major concern for tour operators.
From $22 in 2005, the fuel surcharge increased to $124 in 2008 which means that a Korean family of four will have to pay $600 in fuel surcharge just to visit the CNMI.
MVA also noted the increased competition from other destinations with large budgets such as the Philippines, Hong Kong, New Celedonia and California.
