(MVA) — Students of G.T.C. and Koblerville elementary schools welcomed the Marianas Tourism Education Council and the Marianas Visitors Authority last month to learn about the tourism industry.
The annual outreach initiative focuses on engaging 4th, 7th, and 10th grade students with interactive presentations and activities that spotlight tourism as the Marianas’ leading economic driver, the industry’s impact on daily life, and how youth can contribute to its success, even at a young age.
“I think the kids found it very enlightening,” said G.T.C. Elementary School 4th grader teacher Frank Gibson. “They learned a lot about the island — what makes it special, what makes it unique — and how they can contribute to tourism.”
This school year’s presentation also introduces students to the new global brand, “Far From Ordinary,” and aims to help them see how their Marianas community is distinct as a travel destination.
“Doing presentations while students are still young will help reinforce how, as community members, we really need to do all that we can for our tourists…having students listen in to the presentation, giving examples and photos, and showing them that our islands are very special and something to be very proud of,” said Koblerville Elementary School classroom teacher Rose Castro. “We need to maintain our islands’ beauty and welcome our guests with the respect students are taught from a very young age. The presentation is a great way of showing students the beauty that comes from welcoming and showing visitors who we are and what we are about.”
The “Far From Ordinary” brand highlights the distinct features of the destination based on six pillars: culture, diversity, environment, history, sustainability, and history. The presentations also included an overview of MVA and its duties and responsibilities as a state tourism office in marketing, community events, product development, and more.
MTEC is a nonprofit organization whose mission is threefold: to foster community understanding and support of the visitor industry; to educate the public, especially school students, about the value, social benefits, and economic contributions made to the community by the visitor industry; and to instill, improve, and promote the “Hafa Adai-Tirow” hospitality spirit throughout the island community.
Schools interested in launching a MY WAVE Club to promote tourism awareness and youth engagement may contact MVA Community Projects Specialist Jack Aranda at jaranda@mymarianas.com or (670) 664-3200.
