A proactive Marianas Visitors Authority

It takes the energy of a healthy giant to be able to match the untiring efforts of the chairman and executive director of the Marianas Visitors Authority. Even against all odds since the slide of the industry to 30 percent, this setback never blurred the visions and commitment of Mr. David M. Sablan and Perry John Tenorio.

The two gentlemen know by heart that it is when the tough gets rough that they must resort to tolerance and a journalistic mind to muddle through these difficult times. Through sheer persistency and consistency, they were able to encourage Japan Airlines, All Nippon Airways and Northwest to ferry passengers to the island during the peak season or holidays. It may not be a permanent solution, but a worthy solution at a time when the entire region is hit hardest by the Asian Crisis.

While MVA sifts through short-term answers, it equally is forward looking in its vision to diversify the tourism market from Japan to China and other Tiger countries. It continues to ply the uncharted waters of Shanghai where more than 100 million up and coming middle class Chinese are itching to explore countries beyond Hong Kong and Taiwan.

It may be a difficult feat, but a prize worth paying for if we could to secure at least one percent of the Shanghai market in the first quarter of the next millennium.

Down the stretch, we need the combined business sense of current and future investors to take tourism beyond conventional wisdom, i.e., the construction of hideaway cottages in Anatahan, Alimagan and Pagan. This industry has flourished in both the Caribbean and the outer islands of Hawaii. It is promoted in the LA Times and there are more takers than are facilities available for rent annually. But it’s an issue worth exploring in our collective efforts to diversify tourism in the islands.

MVA and CPA have done exceedingly well in their proactive agenda to improve revenue generation. If others could follow their lead, reviving the local economy would be an easier task down the final stretch of this millennium. Congratulations Dave Sablan, Perry Tenorio, Roman Palacios and Carl Salas. You are model leaders in proactivity others must emulate in the resolution of the myriad of problems strangling these isles. Congratulations!