OVER 140 businesses have expressed interest in being included in the Safe Travels Marianas program, according to Saipan Chamber of Commerce president Joseph Guerrero.
“I think that the more businesses that we have registered as a safe place would make our visitors and residents feel comfortable that whether they go and dine at a restaurant, all staff are vaccinated and that they take the appropriate procedures for safety,” he said.
The program is in line with the World Travel and Tourism Council or WTTC Safe Travels Program, which identifies common standards to ensure the safety of workforce and travelers as the travel sector shifts to a “new normal.”
The WTTC Safe Travels Program is recognized on a global scale to provide Covid-19 safety recognition for the tourism trade, as well as domestic and international consumers.
It encourages both consumers and the tourism trade to support businesses displaying the Safe Travels stamp with confidence.
The program is available to all businesses in the CNMI who align their Covid-19 safety guidelines and protocols with those of the program, demonstrating a commitment to the safety of employees, customers, and the community.
The Marianas Visitors Authority, in collaboration with the CNMI Covid-19 Task Force and other partners, have been implementing effective safety protocols across the tourism industry.
Their common goal is to achieve recovery of the tourism industry in a manner that is safe, gradual, and sustainable, providing a meaningful experience for visitors, and sustainable growth for the local community.
MVA is the lead agency with authority to issue tourism businesses with the Safe Travels stamp to ensure the safety of the CNMI community, while simultaneously supporting the tourism industry in making a robust recovery.
Local businesses within the tourism industry have the opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to global health and safety standards by applying to be Safe Travels-approved, free of charge.
The program is endorsed by the CNMI Covid-19 task force and is said to help keep everyone safe.
Businesses will be promoted and recognized as a Safe Travels establishment for residents and visitors.
Moreover, businesses certified under this program with fully vaccinated employees may be eligible for promotions or giveaways under the Marianas Tourism Resumption Investment Program, or TRIP, under the CNMI Office of the Governor, as coordinated by the MVA.
To obtain the WTTC Safe Travels stamp, businesses are encouraged to review the WTTC guide via https://wttc.org/COVID-19/Safe-Travels-Global-Protocols-Stamp to ensure that their business aligns with expected global protocols for their respective sectors.
They are then encouraged to fill out and submit the application form via https://www.mymarianas.com/clean-safe-marianas/ and upload their business health and hygiene records.
For assistance with the application process, email [email protected]
As of Wednesday, 36 businesses or governmental partners were approved for the program: 360 Revolving Restaurant, ABC Stores, Aqua Resort Club Saipan, Aqua Dive, Asia Pacific Hotels, Inc. dba Century Hotel and dba Tribes Bar & Grill; Chun Ji Restaurant, Chung Gi Wa Restaurant, Commonwealth Ports Authority, Commonwealth Office of Transit Authority, DFS at Saipan International Airport, Divewish, E&F Tour, Gajago Saipan Tour, Hana Tour Service, Inc.; Interpacific Resorts Saipan Corporation dba Pacific Islands Club Saipan, J&K Marine Sports, Inc. (Let’s Go Marine); Jang Gun Restaurant, Korea House Restaurant, Let’s Go Tour Company dba SeaTouch, Light Tour, M&M Taxi Services, Mango Six Café, Marianas Creations, Marianas Lighthouse Restaurant, Marianas Trekking LLC, Micronesia Resort, Inc. dba Kensington Hotel Saipan; Mode Tour, Monster Pizza Pub, Namdaemoon Restaurant, Phoenix Enterprises, Inc.; Saipan Good Tour, Saipan World Resort, SASAMO Tour, Shirley’s Coffee Shop Garapan, Suwaso Corp. dba Coral Ocean Resort Saipan, and Tasi Tours & Transportation, Inc.
