(MVA) — “Engaging” and “eye-opening” were just two of the ways students and educators have described recent educational outreach visits by the Marianas Tourism Education Council and the Marianas Visitors Authority at local schools.
The visits are part of an annual Marianas-wide initiative led by MTEC and MVA that engages 5th-, 7th-, and 10th-grade students through interactive presentations highlighting tourism as the Marianas’ leading economic driver. The program helps students understand how the visitor industry supports jobs, local businesses, and community programs, while encouraging young residents to see themselves as future contributors to the Marianas’ tourism success.
The outreach also undergirds the work of MY WAVE Clubs in local schools. MY WAVE stands for “Marianas Youth Welcome All Visitors Enthusiastically.” Supported by MTEC and the MVA, the clubs provide students with hands-on opportunities to participate in community and cultural activities supporting tourism, explore careers in tourism, and develop leadership skills while promoting pride in the Marianas as a visitor destination.
The 7th grade class of Chacha Ocean View Middle School Chamorro teacher and MY WAVE Club Advisor Rose Sharon Taimanao attended the presentation on March 26, 2026.
“I chose to become the MY WAVE Club advisor because I’ve always been interested in promoting our islands, their beauty, and opportunities for community outreach and networking,” said Taimanao, following the outreach. “Today’s presentation was amazing. All the examples in the presentation were an eye-opener for the students. It affects them, because tourism is everybody’s business.”
On March 27, the outreach team visited Kagman High School and Saipan Southern High School, where MY WAVE Club member Benedicto Vintero participated.
“I thought it was really engaging,” Vintero said. “The presenters spoke to all the students and got their opinions. Getting the points across was really clear and straightforward, as well.”
Vintero said he initially joined SSHS MY WAVE Club to spend time with friends, but his experience in the club helped him better understand the importance of tourism.
“After I started being in the club, I realized I wanted to be more engaged with it, so I actually became an officer,” Vintero said. “I want to help the community.”
During the presentations, students learn about the role of MVA as the official destination marketing office and its efforts to promote the island. Topics include the new Marianas “Far From Ordinary” brand, destination marketing, community partnerships, destination enhancement, and the importance of hospitality in shaping positive visitor experiences.
The Marianas Tourism Education Council is a nonprofit organization with a threefold mission: to foster community understanding and support of the visitor industry; to educate the public, especially students, about the social and economic benefits tourism brings to the islands; and to promote the Håfa Adai–Tirow hospitality spirit throughout the community.
Through continued partnerships with local schools and support for MYWAVE tourism clubs, MTEC and MVA aim to strengthen tourism awareness among young residents and inspire the next generation to play an active role in shaping the future of the Marianas’ visitor economy.
