FRESH off its kick-off of annual school presentations in Rota, the Marianas Tourism Education Council and the Marianas Visitors Authority engaged students at three schools in Saipan on Oct. 31, 2024, with the message, “Tourism is Everybody’s Business.”
The annual outreach aims to engage 4th graders, 7th graders, and 10th graders on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota with current information and activities highlighting The Marianas’ primary economic driver, how tourism impacts their lives, and ways students can support tourism even at a young age. In addition to 4th graders, Oleai Elementary had 5th graders join the presentation, as well.
“Our kids need to understand the importance of tourism in our economy,” said school Principal Alisa Pangelinan, who also holds an A.A.S. degree in Hospitality Management from Northern Marianas College. “We start off these bright minds with the importance of tourism, and what we can also learn from the kids is, what’s trending…Tiktok, social media, different avenues to attract visitors.”
Students also had the opportunity to share their knowledge, thoughts, and opinions about tourism through the interactive presentation.
“The students will remember that there are so many ways that they can help our tourism industry,” said Teacher Christina Ruiz. “The MTEC presentation was great!”
The presentation also includes an overview of the work the MVA, including marketing and its annual signature events such as Christmas in The Marianas in December, Rota Marathon in January, Tinian Hot Pepper Festival in February, and Saipan Marathon in March. Following Oleai Elementary, the outreach team engaged 7th graders at Dandan Middle School.
“Tourism is a way of presenting ourselves and our culture to the rest of the world in various ways to help our local economy,” said 7th grade teacher Jerry Bahillo.
Lastly, the MY WAVE Club of Saipan Southern High School welcomed the team over lunch in the school library.
“The MY WAVE Club has provided SSHS students with the opportunity to learn about the tourism industry through annual conferences, hotel tours, visits to historical sites, and service activities like beach cleanups, marathons, golf tournaments, airport and seaport greetings, and Christmas in the Marianas in partnership with the Marianas Visitors Authority,” said club advisor Rosalyn Ajoste, “We look forward to trying new activities that align with this year’s focus on planting peace and fostering cross-cultural understanding.”
The outreach was led by MTEC Chair Vicky Benavente, MTEC Board Member Catherine Perry, MVA Community Projects Specialist Jack Aranda, and MVA Community Projects Specialist Sherman Santos.
MTEC is also preparing for its annual MTEC Tourism Summit with school MY WAVE Clubs in January 2025.
For more information or to donate to MTEC, contact MVA Community Projects Specialist Jack Aranda at communityprojects@mymarianas.com or (670) 664-3200 for more information.
Students at Oleai Elementary School learn about The Marianas tourism industry on Oct. 30, 2024, from Marianas Tourism Education Council Board Chair Vicky Benavente, front left, and other representatives of MTEC and the Marianas Visitors Authority at the school in Oleai, Saipan.
Students at Oleai Elementary School learn about The Marianas tourism industry on Oct. 30, 2024, from Marianas Tourism Education Council Board Chairw Vicky Benavente, front left, and other representatives of MTEC and the Marianas Visitors Authority at the school in Oleai, Saipan.
Students of Dandan Middle School Marianas are quizzed by Marianas Visitors Authority Community Projects Specialist Jack Aranda on Oct. 30, 2024, at the school in Dandan, Saipan. Following an educational presentation on The Marianas Tourism industry, the students were able to name how tourism benefits them, various careers in the industry, several signature events organized by MVA, and ways they can support tourism.
Marianas Visitors Authority Community Projects Specialist Jack Aranda teaches about the work of MVA at Dandan Middle School on Oct. 30, 2024, at the school in Dandan, Saipan.
Marinas Visitors Authority Community Projects Specialist Jack Aranda teaches about the work of MVA to the Saipan Southern High MY WAVE Club on Oct. 30, 2024, at the school in Koblerville, Saipan. MVA and the Marianas Tourism Education Council visited the school to share about the importance of tourism and how students can support the industry.
