From left, Marianas Visitors Authority Product Development Manager Raquel Aguon, Marianas entrepreneur and regenerative agroforestry practitioner Dana Calvo, and, Northern Mariana Islands legislative staffer and aspiring regenerative tourism practitioner Zania Fleming learn about regenerative policies and practices at the Regenerative Tourism Policy Roundtable hosted by non-profit Regenerative Vanua on July 16-19, 2025, in Port Vila, Vanuatu. The Marianas was represented at the event through the Northern Marianas College Green Growth Initiative.
MVA photo
UNDER Northern Marianas College’s Green Growth initiative, the Marianas Visitors Authority is joining other tourism partners in exploring opportunities for regenerative tourism in The Marianas.
The Commonwealth-wide Green Growth initiative commenced last year and has recently formed a regenerative tourism committee in support of the initiative’s regenerative sustainability goals focused on metrics and communications and leveraging the CNMI Green Growth Dashboard.
While continuing to market The Marianas, negotiate with airlines to stabilize air service, and build support toward implementing its proposed three-year tourism recovery plan, MVA and other committee members are also beginning to establish a framework for policymakers, government agencies, and the private sector to support recovery efforts by developing new products and policies aligned with the global travel trend of eco-tourism and especially — the growing trend of regenerative tourism.
“Living in harmony with nature is part of our traditional culture in The Marianas, and this is something many of today’s travelers are looking for when they choose their next destination. We must keep pace to remain attractive as a destination,” said MVA Managing Director Jamika R. Taijeron. “Travelers want to see that — as a government and community — through policy and practice we are taking care of our small part of the world. And especially, we need tours, products, and services that connect visitors in an authentic way with this way of life. Simultaneously, this also helps to preserve our culture, so the opportunity is win-win.”
The goal of eco-tourism is to minimize harm to nature and promote conservation with low-impact travel to natural areas. The goal of regenerative tourism is to leave places better than they were before, through active restoration of ecosystems and communities. Regenerative tourism is rapidly evolving from a niche concept into a major global travel trend — especially in response to climate challenges, shifting traveler values, and destination resilience goals.
Through the Green Growth initiative, MVA and other representatives of The Marianas attended the Regenerative Tourism Policy Roundtable hosted by non-profit Regenerative Vanua for regional participants on July 16-19, 2025, in Port Vila, Vanuatu.
“At the roundtable, I gained valuable insight into the policymaking process and the essential role of research and data in supporting policy decisions. I also recognized the similar challenges we face as isolated islands,” said MVA Product Development Manager and cultural practitioner Raquel Aguon. “I believe we can adapt their strategies to address our unique struggles in The Marianas, particularly in empowering all stakeholders to be proud stewards of our islands. Community engagement is crucial for successfully implementing any new policies.”
Also representing The Marianas at the roundtable were Dana Calvo, entrepreneur and Regenerative Agroforestry Practitioner in Rota, and Zania Fleming, legislative staffer and aspiring regenerative tourism practitioner. Aguon and Fleming serve a co-chairs of the Green Growth Regenerative Tourism Committee.
