Jamika Taijeron
“IN reviving CNMI tourism, there are a lot of things we still need to do,” Marianas Visitors Authority board member Jamika Taijeron said.
She said she will focus on identifying new experiences and activities that the CNMI can market. “Our beaches in Saipan, Tinian, and Rota…are among the most beautiful in the world, but we can only promote them so much,” she added. “I would like to put together more different activities and experiences that people can enjoy.”
Taijeron, whose nomination was confirmed by the Senate in May, attended her first MVA board meeting on Wednesday with MVA acting chair Gloria Cavanagh, board members Chris Nelson, Masaru Sunaga and another recently confirmed board member, Sachiko N. Gerrard. Also attending the meeting was board member Ivan Quichocho, via teleconference.
“I think there is a lot that we have to do,” Taijeron said, “and I am happy to contribute in anyway…and I am also happy to learn because this is my first time on such an important board, and I’m looking forward to learning and contributing whatever I can to make the right decisions, and to use the limited resources that we have for the best use.”
A manager at Duty-Free Shop Group Ltd., Taijeron said she has a good understanding of the CNMI’s main tourism markets — Korea, Japan and China.
Taijeron said her passion for tourism started at a young age.
She has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Columbia Southern University and studied tourism and travel services management at Kapiolani Community College.
“I just want to do what’s best for the CNMI…and revive tourism,” she said.
She also expressed confidence in MVA’s management team.
“They really know what works. My goal is to just support them, and help find the funding sources and provide additional perspectives for them to consider as they manage all the programs,” Taijeron said.
