The consultancy beat 14 other agencies which submitted proposals to the MVA.
"China is a key growth market for us, and with Ruder Finn's strong presence and comprehensive understanding of the Chinese market, we will put Saipan, Tinian and Rota on the map," said Vicky Benavente, deputy managing director of the MVA.
According to Anissa Wong, vice-president and general manager of Ruder Finn Asia's Hong Kong office, the agency's objective for the first year is to raise awareness of the Northern Marianas, in particular, the three main islands. Its ultimate mission is to increase visitor arrivals from mainland China and Hong Kong.
Shari Oliynyk, a tourism industry expert at Ruder Finn Asia Shanghai, will manage the brief.
The consultancy plans to work with travel and tourism partners such as travel agents, tour operators, hotels and airlines over the next few months to determine the support required to make the Northern Marianas a "destination of choice".
It plans to then use the insights gathered to craft promotions for launch later in the year.