(MVA) — “Enjoy nature,” is the #1 activity visitors to The Marianas plan when they visit, according to the latest visitor exit survey by the Marianas Visitors Authority. MVA is raising awareness of the importance of preserving and planting trees to maintain The Marianas’ reputation as a beautiful, nature-focused destination and to align with today’s environmentally conscious travel trend.
“As was shared in our recent Marianas global branding workshops, today’s traveler is more keen to visit environmentally responsible destinations and is willing to pay more for sustainability,” said MVA Managing Director Jamika R. Taijeron. “The Marianas has a solid reputation for being a destination where people can come and enjoy and reconnect with nature, which is a growing global travel trend. Unfortunately, we see a lot of trees being cut down nowadays without thought of conservation or the future of tourism. So we are asking all partners — public and private — to incorporate the protection of trees, especially older trees, and planting of new trees into their developments, plans, and activities.”
In celebration of May Marianas Tourism Month, the islands of Rota and Tinian took that message to heart with tree planting projects on both islands. On May 20 MVA organized tree planting on Rota with the National Honor Society of Dr. Rita H. Inos Jr./Sr. High. As part of Rota Mayor Aubrey Hocog’s initiative to plant 1,000 fruit trees on the island, students planted 17 fruit trees at historic Tonga Cave. With the assistance of the Mayor’s Office and Dept. of Lands and Natural Resources, students planted soursop, mulberry, mango, guava, and other trees.
“This was a great experience for the students from the National Honor Society to take part in the mayor’s 1000 fruit tree initiative and learning proper planting techniques from DLNR Forestry Supervisor James Manglona,” said MVA Rota Acting Field Supervisor Dave Atalig. “I hope they learned the importance of planting trees, not only for our tourists and community to enjoy, but also for our environment.”
On May 23, students of Tinian Elementary School planted 80 coconut seedlings at the Japanese Tachibana Shinto Shrine built during the Japanese administrative era of The Marianas. The shrine is located in an area known for wild oranges, or “tachibana” in Japanese.
“The involvement of our very young children in the beautification of our island is so vital to the future of our only industry and the preservation of our heritage. Watching these 3rd graders participating with excitement is very inspiring,” said MVA Tinian Field Operations Supervisor Vida Borja.
According to recent data from the United Nations World Tourism Organization, around 70% of travelers now prioritize sustainability when selecting travel experiences.
Students of Tinian Elementary School plant 80 coconut seedlings on May 23, 2025, at the historic Tachibana Shinto Shrine on Tinian to mark Marianas Tourism Month.
MVA photo
Students of the National Honor Society of Dr. Rita H. Inos Jr./Sr. High School plant 17 fruit trees on May 20, 2025, at historic Tonga Cave on Rota to mark Marianas Tourism Month. The event was coordinated by the Marianas Visitors Authority in cooperation with the Rota Mayor’s Office and Dept. of Lands & Natural Resources.
Students of the National Honor Society of Dr. Rita H. Inos Jr./Sr. High School plant 17 fruit trees on May 20, 2025, at historic Tonga Cave on Rota to mark Marianas Tourism Month.
MVA photo
