(MVA) — The Marianas will join the global travel and tourism community in celebrating the United Nations World Tourism Organization’s World Tourism Day on Sept. 27, 2022.
“Once again, World Tourism Day gives our community the opportunity to celebrate the important role tourism plays in The Marianas in creating jobs, generating revenue, and showcasing what makes our islands a unique and beautiful place to live and to visit,” Marianas Visitors Authority Managing Director Priscilla Maratita Iakopo. “This year’s World Tourism Day theme is, Rethinking Tourism, an opportunity to look at the future of our industry and determine how we can rebuild tourism in a way that is strategic, creative, and sustainable for our islands.”
Businesses and other groups are invited to participate in island beautification cleanups on Saipan at Paseo de Marianas in Garapan from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., on Tinian at Tinian Swimming Hole in west side of Tinian at 8:30 a.m. On Rota, the MVA will clean up at the Rota Swimming Hole. MVA will also provide trash bags, gloves, and water.
World Tourism Day Sunset Walkathons will also be held on all three islands beginning at 6 p.m. Saipan’s walk will begin at the Mina’chom Atdao Pavilion at Kilili Beach Park in Susupe, continue along Saipan Beach Pathway to Quartermaster Rd. and back. On Tinian, the walk will begin at Taga Beach, proceed along Broadway to Tinian International Airport, and return to Taga Beach. On Rota, the walk will begin at East Harbor, proceed to Kokomo, and return to East Harbor.
Walk registration is free and opens at 5 p.m., and free t-shirts will be distributed while supplies last. On each island, cash prizes for best Chamorro and Carolinian cultural attire will be awarded: $300 for 1st place, $200 for 2nd place, $100 for 3rd place, $75 for 4th place, and $50 for 5th place.
In collaboration with the Northern Mariana Islands Museum of History & Culture, CNMI Museum Day will highlight the importance of promoting history for tourism by offering free tours at the museum. High school Marianas Youth Welcome All Visitors Enthusiastically or MY WAVE clubs will be hosted from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Students will also have the opportunity to join Color Nights painting session with local instructor Linda Torres.
For more information on World Tourism Day activities on Saipan, contact MVA Community Projects Specialist Jack Aranda at [email protected] or (670) 664-3210. On Tinian, contact MVA Field Operations Supervisor Vida Borja at [email protected] or (670) 433-9365. On Rota, contact MVA Field Operations Supervisor David Atalig at [email protected] or (670) 532-0327.
The official World Tourism Day celebration will be held in Bali, Indonesia, highlighting the shift towards tourism being recognized as a crucial pillar of development.
Representatives of the Japanese Society of the Northern Marianas, Saipan Keepers CNMI, and the Marianas Visitors Authority conduct a beach cleanup beginning at Kilili Beach Park in Saipan on Sept. 27, 2021, in celebration of World Tourism Day. World Tourism Day will be observed on Sept. 27, 2022, with activities on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota.
