Marianas Tourism Education Council Chairwoman Vicky Benavente asks students at San Vicente Elementary School a question at the educational outreach presentation of MTEC and the Marianas Visitors Authority on Dec. 6, 2023, at the school.
Marianas Tourism Education Council Chairwoman Vicky Benavente, center, and MTEC Board Member Catherine Perry share about the Marianas tourism economy with students of Saipan Southern High School during a presentation of MTEC and the Marianas Visitors Authority on Dec. 6, 2023, at the school.
(MVA) — Marianas Tourism Education Council and the Marianas Visitors Authority have kicked off their annual school presentations this month.
In the first week of outreach, four schools have welcomed MTEC and MVA to share the message that “Tourism is Everybody’s Business” with their students, including Admiral Herbert G. Hopwood Middle School, San Vicente Elementary School, Saipan Southern High School, and Tanapag Middle School.
The outreach team aims to engage 5th graders, 7th graders, and 10th graders this year 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.
“We’re grateful for the continued collaboration with the CNMI Public School System and for linking MTEC with our youth to share vital information about the islands’ tourism industry,” said MTEC Chairwoman Vicky Benavente. She added, “After all, these students are the future leaders of our community.”
The presentation also includes an overview of the Marianas Visitors Authority, including its annual signature events like the ongoing 19th Annual Christmas in the Marianas.
“One hundred percent, our young people have a stake in the tourism industry,” said MVA Managing Director Christopher A. Concepcion. “Not only does tourism provide jobs for their families, but they are also ambassadors of the best of what the Marianas has to offer — respect, friendliness, care for the environment, and a sense of curiosity and adventure. We value this opportunity to engage with them about tourism.”
Fourth grade teachers at San Vicente Elementary School also shared their thoughts after the presentation.
“We thought [it] was an excellent presentation for the students,” said Alex Mercado. “All the students were engaged.”
“It gave the kids a better idea of tourism,” said Miranda Indalecio. “They have a better idea of why tourists come to the island…they really know the meaning of tourism now.”
“I think the presentation was really essential because we depend largely on tourism, and it’s an important part of our community,” said Paz Mettao.
“Kids have to learn tourism at an early age, as early at 4th grade, so it can give them an idea of how to help our island’s tourism industry,” said Tes Camacho.
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), Catherine Perry (Integrity Communications), and Dr. Yunzi Zhang (Northern Marianas College).
Schools interested in starting a MY WAVE Club in support of tourism may contact MVA Community Projects Specialist Jack Aranda at jaranda@mymarianas.com or (670) 664-3200.
Marianas Visitors Authority Community Projects Specialist Jack Aranda talks about tourism with students of Tanapag Middle School during the educational outreach presentation of MTEC and the Marianas Visitors Authority on Dec. 11, 2023, at the school.
Marianas Tourism Education Council Board Member Catherine Perry talks about tourism with students of Admiral Herbert G. Hopwood Middle School during the educational outreach presentation of MTEC and the Marianas Visitors Authority on Dec. 5, 2023, at the school.
