Customs officer named for Q2 hospitality award

Martha L. Teregeyo from the Division of Customs is the second quarter recipient of the Hafa Adai Hospitality Award Program.

Teregeyo received a cash incentive from the Marianas Visitors Authority, along with a gift certificate from the DFS Galleria, Saipan.

Nominees from the Division of Immigration and Quarantine were Joseph C. Deleon Guerrero and Ike A. Seman, who also received a gift certificate from the Pacific Islands Club Saipan and Fiesta Resort and Spa.

“In addition to awarding the winner, the MVA believes that it is equally important to recognize the two nominees who were recommended for their outstanding performance,” said MVA acting deputy managing director Martin Duenas.

The MVA also conducted a presentation to the Customs, Immigration and Quarantine directors addressing issues affecting the arrival procedures at the airport. Emphasis was placed at reinforcing the importance of tourism for the CNMI and how each department can provide the “Hafa Adai” spirit welcome to all visitors equally.

“The presentation gave examples of ways that the CIQ division can further help make the CNMI a better destination by understanding our visitors’ needs and giving them a taste of our warm hospitality as a first impression upon arrival and a lasting impression upon their departure,” said Tess Castro, MVA’s acting managing director.

The CIQ heads have agreed to support the MVA by requiring all of their staff to attend a similar training program by the MVA. Some members from the tourism industry will be invited to share their experiences at the airport for CIQ personnel to better understand how visitors expect to be treated while clearing through the lines upon arrival.

In line with its five-year strategic plan, the MVA aims at increasing tourist arrivals to the CNMI as it continues to compete with other destinations. The main attributes being its culture and historical significance, its people and warm hospitality, just to name a few.

Gov. Benigno R. Fitial recently announced the administration’s vision of bringing 1 million visitors to the CNMI by the year 2010.

Other requests made by the division heads were possible language training courses to be offered to the CIQ personnel. The MVA will tap the Hotel Association of the Northern Mariana Islands on this matter to facilitate language-training programs on a regular basis after the first orientation on the tourism industry and their behavioral patterns is provided. This would enable better communication skills when greeting arriving passengers as well provide essential needs to the officers when doing their job.

“MVA emphasized that officers should continue to do their jobs with strict compliance, but it would not hurt to smile with authority,” added Castro. (PR)