Saipan is enjoying a resurgence as an international spot you can visit without burning through your vacation days.
On the 26th, the Marianas Tourism Authority signed a strategic memorandum of understanding (MOU) with South Korean travel platform Yeo-gi-o-ddae and launched a joint marketing campaign.
Kim Yong-nam, head of the Marianas Tourism Authority’s Korea office, and Kim Yong-gyeong, head of branding at Yeo-gi-o-ddae, attended the signing. The two organizations agreed to co-create tourism content for Saipan, Tinian and Rota, and to team up on digital marketing efforts.
The first fruit of that partnership is a YouTube series. Yeo-gi-o-ddae will roll out a three-part Saipan travel series starring comedian Kwak Beom on its popular channel Ttae-Ttae-Ttae. Episodes will drop on April 2, 9 and 16. Expect Kwak’s trademark humor as he tackles an ATV ride up Mt. Tapochau, snorkeling at the Grotto—one of the world’s top three diving spots—and a northern stargazing tour, among other island activities.
This collaboration responds to rising demand for short international trips. Saipan is roughly a 4-hour, 30-minute flight from Korea, making it an ideal weekend escape that doesn’t require using paid leave. The island is being rediscovered by professionals who prefer short, concentrated getaways.
Yeo-gi-o-ddae, which operates lodging, flight and activity booking services, recently expanded into package travel. The company says this partnership will strengthen its overseas content and competitive edge.
Koo Jeong-hoe, director of the Marianas Tourism Authority’s Korea office, said that working with Yeo-gi-o-ddae will help introduce the Marianas’ appeal more naturally to a wide range of travelers, including the MZ generation. He added that they will continue to promote distinctive travel experiences like sportscations.
▶ Marianas Tourism Authority and Yeo-gi-o-ddae sign MOU… Kwak Beom’s three-part Saipan series to debut in April
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