(MTEC) – Students are having the opportunity to learn about the new “Far From Ordinary” Marianas global brand in school outreach presentations led by the Marianas Tourism Education Council (MTEC) and the Marianas Visitors Authority. Representatives of MTEC and the MVA visited students of San Vicente Elementary School and Da’ok Academy yesterday (Nov. 12) to acquaint the young people with the purpose and meaning of the brand and ways they can support the tourism industry. The annual outreach initiative focuses on engaging 5th, 7th, and 10th grade students with interactive presentations and activities that spotlight tourism as The Marianas’ leading economic driver, the industry’s impact on daily life, and how youth can contribute to its success, even at a young age. “The MTEC program, in collaboration with Marianas Visitors Authority, has its work cut out for them with the rebranding and constant outreach, most especially with our youth. They are heading in the right direction,” said Da’ok Academy teacher and MYWAVE Club Advisor Florence S. Calvo. “I really look forward to more collaboration in the future to ensure our students are educated on how they are directly affected by tourism. It truly is that tourism is everyone’s business.” The “Far From Ordinary” brand highlights the distinct features of the destination based on six pillars: culture, diversity, sustainability, adventure, and history. MVA Community Projects Coordinator Jack Aranda pointed out to students how the new Marianas logo incorporates the latte stone representing Chamorro people, the canoe sail representing the Carolinian people, and the 14 islands of the destination. The presentations also included an overview of the MVA and its duties and responsibilities as a state tourism office in marketing, community events, product development, and more. MTEC and MVA will continue their presentations over the next several months across Saipan, Tinian, and Rota. MTEC is a nonprofit organization whose mission is threefold: to foster community understanding and support of the visitor industry; to educate the 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 Adai-Tirow” hospitality spirit throughout the island community. Schools interested in launching a MY WAVE Club to promote tourism awareness and youth engagement may contact MVA Community Projects Specialist Jack Aranda at jaranda@mymarianas.com or 1.670.664.3200.
