MARIANAS Visitors Authority Managing Director Christopher Concepcion said destination enhancement is one of his top priorities.
Concepcion told reporters last week that the key to revitalizing the tourism industry is improving local tourist sites, upgrading facilities and creating new attractions.
“MVA and our partners, other government agencies, and…the private sector really need to focus on improving our island’s tourist sites, facilities that need upgrading, and new and improved attractions. That’s the key,” he said.
Asked who is in charge of renovating and enhancing the island’s tourist sites, Concepcion said, “The question of jurisdiction has historically always been an issue. We know that the Constitution grants all [public land] rights to the Department of Public Lands. However, there have been certain sites that have been designated to other departments to manage, but none of them have ever been designated to MVA to manage. But historically, MVA has spent a lot of its funding on improving tourist sites, paying for security and maintenance. So we’re going to have to work closely with other departments and agencies to settle this jurisdiction issue and maybe we could establish joint jurisdiction.”
Concepcion said in his previous position at the Office of Planning and Development, they were able to secure a grant to take care of some tourist sites in Marpi.
Concepcion said he also learned from Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang that the Office of Grants Management is working on a grant application for Banzai Cliff.
“The grant process is not easy, but once we get the ball rolling, things should work themselves out. Those are forthcoming. We are working very hard,” Concepcion added.
Christopher Concepcion
