CNMI officials led by Gov. Arnold I. Palacios and Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang pose for a photo with Marianas Visitors Authority officials and staff during the Marianas Tourism Month proclamation signing ceremony on Tuesday.
Photo by Bryan Manabat
“MARIANAS Tourism Month is a time to celebrate an industry that captures so much of what makes our islands a remarkable place to live, to work, to do business and to visit,” Marianas Visitors Authority Managing Director Jamika R. Taijeron said.
“Tourism is more than just numbers. It’s about people, it’s about jobs, it’s about culture, community, pride and opportunity,” she added.
MVA on Tuesday hosted a signing ceremony for a proclamation designating May as Marianas Tourism Month.
Joining MVA were the members of the Saipan Southern High School MY WAVE Club, Saipan Mayor Ramon “RB” Camacho, House Speaker Edmund Villagomez, Sen. Manny Castro, Rep. Elias Rangamar, Rep. TJ Manglona, Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang and Gov. Arnold I. Palacios.
In her remarks, Taijeron said, “This month invites us to take a moment to see through fresh eyes, the eyes of a visitor, and to recognize the beauty we sometimes take for granted, our vibrant culture, our community, our breathtaking nature, our peaceful atmosphere, our living history and the warmth of our people.”
“These are exactly the qualities today’s traveler is seeking,” she added.
Despite the challenges, she said, “we also have momentum. We have successes to build on, partnerships to strengthen and a future that depends on the dedication of everyone here.”
The proclamation mentioned MVA’s efforts in attracting investors through several strategies, including offering tax incentives, creating “business in a box” packages to make destination investment more appealing, among other things.
The goal is to create attractive investment opportunities that contribute to the tourism economy and benefit the local community, the proclamation stated.
For his part, the governor said, “There are changing dynamics in global tourism. One just needs to do a little bit of due diligence and take a look at what is happening in our region, what’s happening globally especially in the Asian region, and see why certain areas are thriving and why certain areas are not as robust.”
“There are a lot of issues,” the governor said. “Most of them — a lot of it — are external,” he added.
“There are a lot of things beyond our control. It’s geopolitical, federal, regulatory … policies that we have no control over, and those are things that we need to figure out how to navigate …. Do those that we can do something about, like improving our destination, looking for additional airlifts, because that’s the main issue,” Palacios said.
MVA Chair Gloria Cavanagh said, “Despite the challenges we are facing now, we recognize that more than ever, our government partners, businesses, private organizations and individuals are making tourism their business, today.”
“We have active marketing for new targeted investments to elevate our destination, collaboration with both public and private partners on various strategies to keep attracting flights. More business activities highlighting our unique indigenous culture, an expanded bus route connecting both residents and visitors across Saipan, young people understanding more than ever about the industry and more. This is what’s making tourism our business looks like,” she said.
“So, let’s see what we can accomplish in the year ahead. How about putting an end to littering with continued education and more public citations, opening more public restrooms, other parks and beaches, keeping indigenous Chamorro and Carolinian culture alive at home and in public spaces, enhancing visitor safety and experience with park rangers at our major sites, and keeping that Hafa Adai yan Tirow spirit, that peaceful, welcoming feeling people have when they meet us? Making tourism our business is not just about business. As the managing director says, it is about enhancing all the very best parts that make the Marianas special for the rest of the world to enjoy,” Cavanagh said.
CNMI tourism arrivals remain way below pre-pandemic levels, and are not expected to improve in the next few months.
Tourism is the CNMI’s primary industry.
