________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Tourism is Everybody’s Business!

                                                                                                                 VICKY I. BENAVENTE
                                                                                     MANAGING DIRECTOR
                                                                                     Phone: (670) 664-3200
                                                                                     Fax: (670) 664-3237

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ For Immediate Release: November 17, 2005

JAPAN - MARIANAS TOURISM CLUB SET TO MEET ON SAIPAN

Saipan, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands – Each year, the Marianas Visitors Authority (MVA) hosts a group of travel agents that make up the CNMI’s Japanese tourist arrivals. Major Key players in the industry with a combined effort have been responsible to the success of the CNMI’s Japanese traffic throughout the years. The Japan-Marianas Tourism Club also known as JMTC will hold its annual meeting on Saipan on November 24, 2005 at the Saipan World Resort to discuss issues and concerns affecting the destination.

The MVA together with industry players from the Commonwealth Ports Authority, and the Hotel Association of the Northern Mariana Islands, will take part in updating the JMTC group on issues with regard to the airports expansions projects or changes in policy as well as improvements of the hotels in the CNMI. Mr. Chuck Jordan from the Governor’s Capital Improvement Project office will also provide current updates of the Garapan revitalization plans and new infrastructure developments the CNMI will undertake in the next few years. "It is imperative that information be shared amongst the group to better promote the islands in Japan. The JMTC group contributes so much to the CNMI and therefore, providing sufficient information ahead of time would greatly encourage these agents to continue developing the CNMI as a preferred tourist destination in Japan", stated Martin Duenas, Acting Managing Director.

The JMTC, formed in 1998, consist of top travel wholesalers from Japan. The presidents and travel managers meet regularly with the MVA to discuss issues on marketing the CNMI.  The JMTC participants include Holiday Tours Micronesia, Nippon Travel Agency, Pacific Micronesian Tours, R&C Tours, Northwest Airlines, and Continental Airlines.

#####

For further information, please contact:
Vicky I. Benavente, Managing Director
Marianas Visitors Authority
Telephone: 670-664-3200/3201
Facsimile: 670-664-3237
www.mymarianas.com
mva@mymarianas.com