THE Marianas Visitors Authority board of directors on Thursday approved the request of DFS Saipan to implement an initiative that aims to “energize” the Garapan tourism district.
Rachel Tan, DFS vice president for operations, and her team members Jamika Taijeron, James Santos and Sunshine Salas presented their plan, which would cost $68,500, to the MVA board on Thursday.
“We are looking to bring in exciting entertainment, immersive performances and historical and cultural displays in the south wing of [DFS] Galleria,” Tan said.
She said DFS’ long-term vision is to make Garapan an iconic destination for tourists and local community members alike.
“The goal is to have a yearlong activity along the front of our store and along the streets of Garapan,” she added.
“DFS cannot just be a successful retailer,” Tan said. “We need to contribute to the rebuilding…of tourism…. [But] we can’t just do it alone. We need to create excitement, [provide] entertainment as well as bring…the cultural and historical elements closer to our tourists and local community…in a space that’s comfortable, accessible, and consistent throughout the year.”
She said the south wing of the Galleria will be a one-stop tourist attraction.
“We’ll have the island-wide shuttle that comes to Garapan daily. We are working with the NMI Museum and the NMI Humanities Council [and] that will enable us to showcase the history, the culture of our CNMI,” Tan added.
“By partnering with MVA we are creating a consistent daily performance where we can attract tourists or locals who come to the store and enjoy art demonstrations and cultural performances throughout the day,” she said.
Mwaar-making, coconut frond weaving, among other traditional handicrafts will be featured at the Galleria, she added.
“It’s not just about shopping but also creating an activity that is interactive, immersive and memorable…and the visitors can share…their unique cultural immersion experience in the CNMI…with…their friends [in] their home [country].”
DFS plans to launch the cultural initiative project by mid-November.
Currently, the Galleria is open on weekdays from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. and weekends from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m.
“We have not established the time, but we will have the cultural and historical performances and demonstrations during the operational hours,” she added.
The initiative is funded for three months, she said. “Definitely, we will be reviewing and redeveloping the idea so that it can be sustainable for the future,” she added.
The MVA board members who approved the proposal were Viola Alepuyo, Ivan Quichocho, Gloria Cavanagh, Chris Nelson, Agida Quitugua, Masaru Sunaga and Thomas Liu who attended the board meeting via Zoom.
Also present were MVA Deputy Managing Director Judy Torres and other MVA management team members.
The Marianas Visitors Authority board members and management listen to DFS’ proposal to “energize” Garapan through cultural and historical demonstrations and performances.
DFS vice president for operations Rachel Tan, 2nd left, with her team: Jamika Taijeron, left, Sunshine Salas, 2nd right, and James Santos.
