Marianas Tourism Education Council Chairwoman Vicky Benavente teaches about tourism at Francisco M. Sablan Middle School during the educational outreach presentation of MTEC and the Marianas Visitors Authority on Dec. 12, 2023, at the school.
(MVA) — In line with this year’s school outreach theme, “Green Spaces, Memorable Places/Kåmpun Betdi, Kåmpun Rikuetdu/Llingil Leyil Walúwal,” the Marianas Tourism Education Council and the Marianas Visitors Authority are inviting students to put themselves in the shoes of a tourist enjoying the Marianas’ natural environment.
MTEC and MVA shared their message on the importance of tourism with students at Franscico M. Sablan Middle School on Dec. 12, at William S. Reyes Elementary School on Monday (Dec. 18), and at Kagman Elementary School Tuesday (Dec. 19). As a majority of today’s travelers rank enjoying nature as one of their top expectations, and students were invited to take a moment and reflect on their own favorite “green” space.
“The #1 activity visitors have said they want to do when visiting the Marianas is to enjoy our beautiful nature, and the students know just how beautiful our islands are,” said MTEC Board Member Catherine Perry. “We want to instill in these bright young minds the importance of planting and preserving trees, forests, community gardens and other green spaces for both our visitors and future generations to enjoy. Investing in keeping Saipan green is investing in our tourism economy.”
The outreach team aims to engage 4th graders, 7th graders, and 10th graders this year on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota with information and activities highlighting the Marianas’ primary economic driver, how it impacts their lives, and ways students can support tourism even at a young age.
The presentation also includes an overview of programs and activities of the Marianas Visitors Authority, including its annual signature events like this month’s 19th Annual Christmas in the Marianas and the upcoming Rota Marathon in January.
The presentations were made by Perry, MTEC Board Chairwoman Vicky Benavente, and MVA Community Projects Specialist Jack Aranda.
Other MTEC board members are Vice Chairman Glenn Policare (Kanoa Resort), Secretary Martin Duenas (MVA), Treasurer Larissa Larson, Dr. Galvin Guerrero (Northern Marianas College), Larry Lee, Naomi Nishimura (CNMI Public School System), Gordon Marciano (PDI), and Dr. Yunzi Zhang (Northern Marianas College).
Schools interested in starting a MY WAVE Club to engage students with tourism may contact MVA Community Projects Specialist Jack Aranda at jaranda@mymarianas.com or (670) 664-3200 for more information.
Students of Kagman Elementary respond to Marianas Visitor Authority Community Projects Specialist Jack Aranda during the educational outreach presentation of the MVA and Marianas Tourism Education Council on Dec. 19, 2023, at the school.
“Kind Kingfishers” of William S. Reyes Elementary School respond to a question from Marianas Tourism Education Council Board Member Catherine Perry during the educational outreach presentation of MTEC and the Marianas Visitors Authority on Dec. 18, 2023, at the school.
