Senbon Yashi in Rota is one of many attractions highlighting the importance of “green spaces” for both residents and visitors. It is now under government quarantine protection due to the invasive rhino beetle. Given today’s travel trend toward eco-tourism, the Marianas Tourism Education Council has set the theme “Green Spaces, Memorable Places” for its SY 2023-2024 educational outreach.
Marianas Tourism Education Council board member Catherine Perry engages students of San Vicente Elementary school with tourism topics in early 2023 as part of the non-profit organization’s annual activities. MTEC will commence this school year’s outreach with a meeting of advisors of school MY WAVE — Marianas Youth Welcome All Visitors Enthusiastically — Clubs on Nov. 15, 2023.
(MTEC) — Setting the direction for another school year of outreach, the Marianas Tourism Education Council on Friday, Oct. 27, selected the theme “Green Spaces, Memorable Places” to bookmark all its activities in the year ahead.
MTEC will kick off its annual activities on Nov. 15, 2023, meeting with school MY WAVE (Marianas Youth Welcome All Visitors Enthusiastically) Club Advisors at PIC Saipan. The meeting will focus on ways the two organizations can collaborate to involve students with the islands’ number one industry — tourism.
“We’re super excited to initiate MTEC’s annual calendar of events with our MY WAVE advisors, who are one of our essential partners,” said MTEC Chairwoman Vicky Benavente. “And for those schools who do not yet have a MYWAVE Club and who are interested to form one this year, we encourage you to sign up before Nov. 15.”
Schools sending club representatives (limit two advisors) to the meeting or wanting more information on forming a MYWAVE Club may contact Marianas Visitors Authority Community Projects Coordinator Jack Aranda at jaranda@mymarianas.com or (670) 664-3200.
The theme “Green Spaces, Memorable Places” coincides with the World Tourism Day 2023 theme, “Green Investments” and highlights the growing trend of eco-tourism and how the Marianas community can create and enhance green spaces for a unique visitor experience and a more sustainable industry.
Other upcoming programs for the year include educational presentations at schools, the annual MTEC Tourism Summit scheduled for January 2024, stipends for MY WAVE club advisors for qualified expenses, and the MTEC Scholarship program for graduating seniors.
MTEC is a non-profit organization whose mission is three-fold: to foster community understanding and support of the visitor industry; to educate the general public, especially school students, about the value, social benefits, and economic contributions made to the community by the visitor industry; and to instill, improve, and promote the “Hafa Ada-Tirow” hospitality spirit throughout the island community.
In addition to Benavente, MTEC board members include Martin Duenas (MVA), Galvin Guerrero (Northern Marianas College), Larry Lee, Naomi Nishimura (CNMI Public School System), Gordon Marciano (PDI), Catherine Perry (Integrity Communications), Glenn Policare (Kanoa Resort), Yunzi Zhang (Northern Marianas College), and Larissa Larson.
