THIS is to add my two cents about how we can improve our tourism industry and our image. It seems to me that we are missing an obvious opportunity to capitalize on two of our greatest resources. These are the diversity of our islands and our people. There are no other comparable destinations, including Guam and Hawaii, that have what we have here in the CNMI in terms of these two valuable resources.
Think about it—the CNMI has everything from the uninhabited pristine Northern Islands to casino gambling on Tinian. We are not taking advantage of the beauty and diversity of our islands, particularly in regards to the Northern Islands. No other destination has something like the Northern Islands. Yet, they are almost locked away and hidden. I realize the importance of protecting the environment and controlling development, but why can’t we do something to develop and promote the Northern Islands in an eco-friendly way?
The diversity of our people is a whole different situation. It’s not locked away and hidden but is something we see all day, every day. Sometimes the diversity of the people living, working, or visiting the CNMI is a point of contention in the community, mostly with regard to impacts on infrastructure, labor, and immigration. It is a wonder to me why we can’t turn this around and take advantage of our diversity instead of feeling negative about it.
Again, think about it. What other destination can you go to and meet Australians, Bangladeshis, Canadians, Carolinians, Chamorros, Chinese, Chuukeese, Filipinos, Guamanians, Hawaiians, Japanese, Koreans, Marshalleese, Nauruans, Nepalese, New Zealanders, Palauans, Taiwanese, Thailanders, U.S. mainlanders, Vietnamese and Yapese that are all living and working together on a small island? (Sorry if I left anybody out). It would be nice to see a marketing or promotional campaign geared towards showing our ethnic diversity as an opportunity to meet different people from all over the world during one short visit to the Marianas. In the meantime, we should all act as ambassadors for our “countries” and help attract more positive attention and visitors to the CNMI.
PAUL BARON
Navy Hill
