MVA lines up activities for NMI Tourism Month

In celebration of May as NMI Tourism Month, the Marianas Visitors Authority has lined up activities that are in line with the government’s goal to attract one million visitors to the islands this year.

The month of May will highlight many activities that help promote tourism. The Tourism Month celebrations will kick-off with the “Taste of the Marianas” International Food/Beer Festival at the American Memorial Park every Saturday on May 4-25, 6-10pm. The 6th annual Ayuda Fun Run will also be held on May 4, and is open for all ages.

A Tourism Month poster contest will be held among elementary school students. An essay-writing contest will also be conducted for junior and senior high school students. This year’s theme is “How Tourism Works for the CNMI.”

The San Jose Fiesta, the biggest event on Tinian, will provide an array of foods, rides, entertainment, and the coronation of the Fiesta Queen and a big raffle on May 4, 2002.

“America-CNMI: A Community for All Ages,” is the theme for this year’s Mes Man Amko on Rota, in celebration of Tourism Month. A House resolution will be introduced to recognize the oldest living person in the CNMI. A Mes Man Amko King and Queen will be crowned on May 31 to commemorate the event.

Representatives from the tourism industry will also hold career presentations at numerous schools. Participants include members of the Saipan Chamber of Commerce, the Hotel Association of the Northern Mariana Islands and the Saipan Rotary Club.

The Wakkai Nekko No Kai group is scheduled to arrive on Saipan on May 8 until May 9. The WNNK group consists of students representing the government and private sector of Japan.

The Annual Saipan Flower/Ornamental Plants Festivals will be held on May 11 at the Multi-Purpose Center in Susupe from 9am to 3pm. The deadline for registration is on May 4.

The Tagaman Triathlon will be held along the scenic Beach Road on May 18, while the Tagakids Triathlon will be on Sunday, May 19, at the Pacific Islands Club starting at 6:30am. The 3rd Annual Saipan Outdoor Physical Invigorating Adventure Walk will also be on May 19.

For more information on the schedule of events, contact the Marianas Visitors Authority at 664-3200/664-3201 or visit www.mymarianas.com.