Ramon B. Camacho, Sabalu Farmers Market Inc. president, said their market events are “popular” among tourists.
He said there’s an increase in the number of tourists enjoying the Sabalu Market in Susupe and the Garapan Tuesday Market in front of the Kristo Rai Church.
Camacho, on behalf of the 30 members of the Saipan Sabalu Farmers Market, wrote to MVA Managing Director Perry Tenorio about their request.
“In any destination, tourists frequently visit this type of markets to try different foods and local fruits especially those indigenous in the destination,” he said.
Farmers feel that if given maximum media exposure they can help attract more tourists to the CNMI, he added.
He said they haven’t seen any of MVA’s promotional materials like brochures, CD’s or guidebooks that mention the farmers market.
In Hawaii, Camacho said tourists come in busloads to Kapiolani Community College to try and sample the different agricultural product of the state especially its famous fried green tomatoes.
“We also have our own similar attractions in our hot and spicy empanada, chalakilis, tamales, apigigi and others,” he told Tenorio.
Since most of the media tours are accompanied by MVA staff there would be no problem with communications between farmers and the tourists, he said.
Camacho said local farmers want to be part of MVA’s slogan, “Tourism is Everybody’s Business.”
He said they want to help promote the islands and improve local economic activities.
Camacho said tourist expenditures at the Sabalu Market will go to the hardworking farmers and circulate in the local economy.
