Members of the Hospitality & Tourism Class of Saipan Southern High School pose for a photo with representatives of the Marianas Tourism Education Council and the Marianas Visitors Authority following an educational outreach on April 11, 2024, at the school in Koblerville, Saipan.
(MVA) — Students of Saipan Southern High School’s Hospitality & Tourism Class welcomed representatives of the Marianas Tourism Education Council and the Marianas Visitors Authority on Wednesday, April 10, to talk tourism.
The outreach team is engaging 4th graders, 7th graders, and 10th graders this year on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota with information and activities highlighting the Marianas’ primary economic driver, how it impacts their lives, and ways students can support tourism even at a young age. By special invitation, the team visited the class of instructor Elena Gersonde. Turning the tables on the tourism educators, the students, who are working to earn national certification from the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute, asked a number of questions.
“What made you choose this career? What was your first job in the tourism industry?”
MTEC Chairwoman Vicky Benavente shared about getting her first job at Hyatt Regency Saipan.
“Newly married with one toddler, I started working in the HR department of Hyatt Regency Saipan,” she told students.
“What are your favorite events? What are your favorite places to visit?”
MVA Community Projects Coordinator Jack Aranda shared that, as an event coordinator, he finds all events held by MVA exciting and fun.
“If there was one event I do enjoy most, it is Christmas in the Marianas,” Aranda told students. “The reason would be, seeing all the effort and practice students put into their performance, as well as seeing their support crew such as their family around to cheer for them. And one of my favorite places to visit is Japan. The food is great, Japan is just beautiful place, and their people are very polite and respectful.”
“Any advice for us (high school students)? What’s your prediction of our tourism industry?”
MTEC Board Member Catherine Perry encouraged students to keep to their cultural value of respect — for self, others, and the natural and material world — as an important value for success in the 21st century. She observed that proper long-term planning would be needed to ensure that the development of The Marianas for tourism is sustainable, attractive, and beneficial for the environment and the community.
The presentation also includes an overview of programs and activities of MVA, including its annual signature events like next month’s Taste of the Marianas International Food Festival.
In line with this year’s school outreach theme, “Green Spaces, Memorable Places/Kåmpun Betdi, Kåmpun Rikuetdu/Llingil Leyil Walúwal,” MTEC highlighted the importance of The Marianas’ natural beauty in attracting visitors.
The other MTEC board members are Vice Chairman Glenn Policare (Kanoa Resort), Secretary Martin Duenas (MVA), Treasurer Larissa Larson, Dr. Galvin Guerrero (Northern Marianas College), Larry Lee, Naomi Nishimura (CNMI Public School System), Gordon Marciano (PDI), and Dr. Yunzi Zhang (Northern Marianas College).
Schools interested in starting a MY WAVE Club to engage students with tourism may contact MVA Community Projects Specialist Jack Aranda at jaranda@mymarianas.com or (670) 664-3200 for more information.
Marianas Tourism Education Council Board Member Catherine Perry engages the Hospitality & Tourism Class of Saipan Southern High School during the educational outreach presentation of MTEC and the Marianas Visitors Authority on April 11, 2024, at the school in Koblerville, Saipan.
Marianas Tourism Education Council Chairwoman Vicky Benavente engages the Hospitality & Tourism Class of Saipan Southern High School during the educational outreach presentation of MTEC and the Marianas Visitors Authority on April 11, 2024, at the school in Koblerville, Saipan.
