The Marianas Visitors Authority board approved requests for proposals for Philippine Airlines-related marketing in the Philippines and for the licensing of MVA’s “Far From Ordinary” destination brand mascot, Mira, during its meeting last Jan. 28 at the MVA office along Beach Road in Garapan.
On the Philippines initiative, MVA managing director Jamika Taijeron sought authority to issue an RFP following Philippine Airlines’ announcement of direct Manila-Saipan flights beginning March 29, 2026.
The tourism body chief said the proposed RFP is intended to support route sustainability and market development, with services to include on-the-ground marketing and airline support.
“This is a request to go out to RFP so that we can find a company to provide those services,” she told the board, emphasizing that the effort is not just for a representation office, but for an office with a plan.
“Such a team would provide on-the-ground support for sales, marketing, public relations, and partner development, ensuring that the CNMI tourism interests are effectively represented and promoted,” she said.
Taijeron added there's a significant opportunity to cultivate the Philippines as a new strategic source market for the CNMI, as it can also be a gateway for the outbound Chinese tourism market wishing to transit from Manila to the Commonwealth.
“We are continuing to advocate for the visa waiver from the Philippines that will further support that. So management requests to capitalize on this opportunity and engage with an office, an experience in a market representation office, to strengthen trade and media relationships, support airline route stability, and drive consistent demand from the emerging market,” she added.
MVA board director Ivan Quichocho suggested that they actually don’t need a Philippine office, but just contract the services MVA needed in a case-by-case basis.
“Or actually, you could be really creative and say, we want an RFP for a marketing plan with execution, never mind the office. So we're not paying for an office, [and just for] marketing and give us a solid plan,” he said.
The board approved funding of up to $500,000 for what was described as “Philippine Market Development,” with MVA chair Warren Villagomez noting the amount would serve as a ceiling rather than a guaranteed award.
“Basically, you’re just setting a budget,” he said, adding that any final award would be subject to negotiation through the RFP process
Separately, the board approved management’s request to issue an RFP for the licensing of MVA’s mascot Mira the friendly Dumbo octopus, described during the meeting as part of the authority’s updated destination branding.
“So management is requesting the board’s approval to engage in RFP to seek out qualified companies who can service all requirements for the character licensing of MVA mascot Mira,” said Taijeron, noting that the scope would include “marketing, production of products, and other commercial use.”
She said the approach would mirror MVA’s earlier Saipanda licensing program, which allowed private companies to use the character on commercial merchandise under royalty agreements.
“We would like to replicate the Saipanda concept of licensing the updated brand products and promotional activities using Mira, our new mascot,” she told the board, adding that the RFP would be kept a little broad to allow vendors to propose different licensing models, including non-exclusive arrangements
Both motions—the Philippine market development and licensing for the new Mira mascot—were unanimously approved by the MVA board.
During the meeting, the MVA board also heard an extensive presentation from TurnKey Solutions on “Explore Marianas,” a proposed centralized digital platform designed to connect visitors directly with locally run cultural, eco-tourism, and community-based experiences across Saipan, Tinian, Rota, and the Northern Islands.
The platform would allow travelers to browse and book vetted experiences online, while giving small and emerging local vendors access to marketing, booking tools, content creation, and business support.
Board members discussed setting minimum standards for participating vendors, including licensing, insurance, safety, and quality control, as well as the creation of a review committee involving MVA and partner organizations.
Directors also raised issues related to long-term sustainability, accountability for customer disputes, integration with existing hotel, airline, and municipal platforms, and potential grant funding to support the project beyond its initial rollout.
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