MTEC, MVA visit Kagman Elementary School

The Marianas Tourism Education Council and Marianas Visitors Authority visited students at Kagman Elementary School last Nov. 20 with their message that “Tourism is Everybody’s Business.”

Students had the opportunity to learn about the Marianas tourism industry, what types of people visit the islands, why travelers choose the Marianas, what the role of the MVA is, and how students can support tourism.

“They informed our students on how they can help MVA in promoting our islands,” said 4th grade teacher Dorothy Santos. “I think it’s meaningful for them since they also experience when tourists come to our islands. Sometimes there are tourists that come to our school…they think it’s a park! They learned that they need to be kind.”

The annual school outreach aims to engage 4th graders, 7th graders, and 10th graders on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota with current information and activities highlighting the Marianas’ primary economic driver.

MVA Community Projects coordinator Sherman Santos assisted with the presentation for the first time.

“I was amazed at how much knowledge the 4th grade classes had with regards to tourism,” said Santos. “All the students were excited and eager to learn more about what we do at the MVA. Overall, great participation from all the students.”

MTEC is a non-profit organization whose mission is three-fold: to foster community understanding and support of the visitor industry; to educate the public, especially school students, about the value, social benefits, and economic contributions made to the community by the visitor industry; and to instill, improve, and promote the “Hafa Adai-Tirow” hospitality spirit throughout the island community. The organization is also preparing for its annual MTEC Tourism Summit with school MY WAVE Clubs in January 2025.

For more information, contact MVA Community Projects coordinator Jack Aranda at communityprojects@mymarianas.com or (670) 664-3200/1. (PR)