(MVA) — The Marianas Visitors Authority’s Walk for Tourism 5K on Saturday, May 22, on Saipan drew over 200 participants in celebration of the islands’ primary economic driver.
Participants, many dressed as tourists, began showing up before 6 a.m. at Kilili Beach Park to register before the walk started at 7 a.m. The first 100 registrants received a 2021 Tourism Month t-shirt.
“The turnout for the Walk for Tourism 5K was both strong and high-energy, and we’d like to thank all the businesses and individuals who participated in showing their support and love for the industry,” said MVA Managing Director Priscilla M. Iakopo. “The walk was a great opportunity to celebrate all that tourism means to the Marianas community and share encouragement and excitement about the gradual return of the industry.”
Winning 1st place and $100 for best tourist costume was Laurina Boyer, taking selfies while dressed in an islandwear wraparound and “driving” in a handcrafted pink convertible. Second place and $75 went to the trio of Takashi Nazuka, Noriko Baidya, and Yoichi Nonogaki, all walking in scuba diving gear. Third place and $50 went to Sildrey Verloria, dressed as a classic tourist.
IShop donated sunscreen and Herbalife donated Herbal Protein Shakes in support of the event.
The course followed the Saipan Beach Pathway beginning at Minachom Atdao pavilion to the turnaround point at Quartermaster Rd. and back. Covid-19 health protocols were implemented, including temperature checks and collection of contact information.
The public is also invited to join a cleanup organized by the Japan-Saipan Travel Association on Saturday, May 29, at 9 a.m. at the Last Command Post in Marpi.
Residents of the Marianas may post their favorite photo of Tinian on Facebook with the hashtags #VisitTheMarianas and #CaptureYourTinianTreasure for a chance to win cash prizes. Winners will be announced on May 31, 2021.
MVA is also holding a high school student essay contest. The theme “Power of Travel: Covid-19 Impact and Tourism Recovery in the Marianas” invites students to describe how Covid-19 has impacted the Marianas tourism community and share their thoughts how the Marianas should move forward with tourism recovery. Entries must be in Microsoft Word and not more than 600 words. Entries must be received by 5 p.m. on May 25, 2021, and must be submitted to communityprojects@mymarianas.com
Entries must include the student’s name, grade, school, and email address.
Prizes are: $300 for 1st place, $200 for 2nd place, and $100 for 3rd place. Winners will be contacted via email and announced on MVA’s official Facebook page on May 31, 2021, at 12 p.m. The contest is open to all public and private school students grades 9-12 in the Marianas.
By entering, contestants agree to allow MVA to use their name, image, and essay for promotional purposes, and a parental consent form must be attached required.
Forms are downloadable under Events at www.facebook.com/VisitTheMarianas
The public has the chance to win Tourism Month t-shirts and gift certificates by correctly answering tourism-related trivia questions on radio station Power 99 (97.5 FM) and KSPN2. The Hafa Adai & Tirow Pledge program will be launched this month, inviting companies, organizations, and individuals to make a deeper commitment and take more responsibility to develop, promote, and support the Hafa Adai/Tirow Spirit in the Marianas.
On Tinian, Tourist for a Day educational field trip on May 28 will educate youth through firsthand experience of how tourism effects everyone in the islands.
For more information, visit www.facebook.com/VisitTheMarianas or The Marianas Calendar at www.mymarianas.com/The-Marinanas-Calendar or contact MVA community projects specialist Jack Aranda at 664-3200/1 or communityprojects@mymarianas.com
Marianas Visitors Authority community projects specialist Jack Aranda, second right, accepts a donation from IShop and Herbalife on Saipan for the Walk for Tourism 5K. From left, Lyn Hernandez and Lota Briosos of IShop, Aranda, and Analyn Nunez of IShop.
Over 200 participants join the Marianas Visitors Authority’s Walk for Tourism 5K on May 22, 2021, in Susupe. The event was held in celebration of Tourism Month.
Over 200 participants join the Marianas Visitors Authority’s Walk for Tourism 5K on May 22, 2021, in Susupe. Participants were invited to dress as tourists for a chance to win cash prizes.
The Walk for Tourism 5K was held along the Saipan Beach Pathway from Kilili Beach Park to Quartermaster Rd. and back.
Participants in the Marianas Visitors Authority’s Walk for Tourism 5K reach the turnaround point in Chalan Laulau.
Rain clouds brought both light showers and a rainbow to participants of the Marianas Visitors Authority’s Walk for Tourism 5K in Susupe.
Marianas Visitors Authority Managing Director Priscilla M. Iakopo, second left, awards winners of the tourist costume contest at the Walk for Tourism 5K. From left, 3rd place winner Sildrey Verloria, Iakopo, 1st place winner, Laurina Boyer, and collective 3rd place winners Norko Baidya, Takashi Nazuka, and Yoichi Nonogaki.
