Council chairwoman Vicky I. Benavente urged Rotarians to help spread the word and ask everybody to advertise Saipan, Tinian and Rota on their websites, blogs and social media such as Facebook and other sites.
“If you can mention the CNMI on your blogs and websites in a positive tone, it can help a lot to invite more tourists to come here,” Benavente said.
She also urged the Rotarians to work with MVA and support its efforts in attracting more tourists to come here.
“Remember that tourism is everybody’s business, and if you have children at home, discuss this slogan with them,” she added.
Benavente said the council was created on the belief that for the CNMI to stay competitive in the regional tourism market, it is crucial that everyone promotes the islands here and abroad.
Formed in 2001, the council aims to heighten the community’s awareness on the importance of tourism to the well-being of the people of the CNMI.
Its initiatives include Public School System tourism curriculum television spots for promotions, training for frontline government employees such as Immigration, Customs and Quarantine, welcome badges for frontline employees, and tie-ups with MVA for Hafa Adai hospitality awards.
The council also organizes My WAVE — Marianas Youth Welcome All Visitors Enthusiastically — Clubs in schools and has launched the “Hafa Adai Tirow Way” campaign with awards given to logo and essay contest winners.
The council also organizes sports events such as the Tank2Tank aquathon.
Its charter members are MVA, Duty Free Shoppers Ltd., Pacific Trading Co and the Pacific Islands Club.
