“TOURISM is still our primary economic driver,” Marianas Visitors Authority Managing Director Chris Concepcion said in his remarks Wednesday during the Marianas Tourism Month proclamation signing ceremony.
He thanked the community, “our trade partners, the students doing beach cleanups — thank you for making tourism your business today, and every day.”
He added, “Our entire community has the opportunity, and if I may say so, the obligation to refocus our efforts on what makes our island unique and an incredible place to visit.”
Concepcion said “challenges still exist: limited funding, unfavorable exchange rate, tired infrastructure, stiff competition from other destinations…but MVA accepts those challenges, and we will continue to be strategic….”
He said May as Marianas Tourism Month is “an opportunity to celebrate what tourism brings to our community: revenue for businesses, tax revenue for our government, jobs, more activities and attractions, a higher standard of living, and more.”
Acting Gov. David M. Apatang, who signed the proclamation, called upon the people of the Marianas to “unite in observing the occasion, through supporting and enhancing the tourism industry and doing their part in showcasing the best of our islands.”
Over the last couple of years, he said, “our tourism [industry] was hit hard by two powerful typhoons, and recently by the pandemic that brought [about] travel restrictions for our visitors. However, our perseverance and fortitude are beginning to bear fruits, and we are finally greeting our visitors once again. But we all understand that this will not be a simple case of returning to normalcy. The past years of hardship gave us time for reflection and raising awareness of [an] alternative to pre-pandemic tourism. In light of the uncertainty, we must hear and take to heart the voices of our local people about their views on how to enhance tourism in our islands, so we can all work together to develop a sustainable tourism economy.”
Gloria C. Cavanagh, the MVA board’s acting chairperson, thanked the administration for its partnership and support.
“We have a long road ahead of us, but with their support I am confident of success,” she said.
Cavanagh also wants more dialogue with legislators “to ensure that our goals are the same; to promote understanding of the difficulties of our path; and to seek support for our endeavors. Working together and having a unified front can help us through these times quickly.”
She also thanked “the hardworking people of MVA.”
Over the last three years, she said, “we have asked them to take on duties that were beyond their regular tasks. You all worked as a team and got things done. This month we celebrate you all. Tourism is everybody’s business. MVA cannot do it alone. Every government agency should look [at] how to improve the visitor experience and safety. Every business, every community group, every citizen — together we overcame Typhoon Yutu, together we overcame the pandemic…and together we can make the Marianas a world-class destination if everyone does their part.”
Acting Gov. David M. Apatang on Wednesday proclaimed May as Marianas Tourism Month. Joining With him in the photo are Marianas Visitors Authority Acting Chairwoman Gloria Cavanagh, MVA Managing Director Christopher A. Concepcion, MVA board members, MVA management and staff, lawmakers, members of the Saipan Southern High School My WAVE Club and 2021 Miss Marianas Savannah Lyn Delos Santos.
