Eco-tourism dev’t in Rota gets boost from MVA

In a move to assist in the development of eco-tourism in Rota, the Marianas Visitors Authority will look for funds to facilitate the implementation of infrastructure projects on the island-municipality.

MVA board members met with Rota Mayor Benjamin Manglona recently to discus various tourism sites that need immediate repair.

Nine projects amounting to $2.7 million have been identified by MVA, namely Swimming Hole, Taga Quarry, Bird Sanctuary, Ginalangan Command, Sabana Peace Marker, Pona Cliff Park, Tonga Cave, Tweks. Beach, and Guata Beach. A hiking trail from the village, which leads to the top of the mountain known as Sabana, is being eyed as a priority project since it is popular among Japanese tourists. The Rota swimming hole, one of the island’s most attractive sites, has been devastated by soil erosion.

“We are still looking for money to be able to undertake all of these projects and we are establishing the priorities for each island if we cannot do everything all at once,” said Dave M. Sablan, MVA board chairman.

Mr. Sablan said the local officials also sought help on how they can reduce the airfare from Rota to Saipan which is almost equal to fare between Guam and Saipan. The tourism office is working closely with the Pacific Island Aviation to find ways on how to improve air service between Saipan and Rota.

Since Rota is only 40 miles away from Guam, Mr. Sablan said MVA will seek partnership with Guam Visitors Bureau in developing Rota as a tourist destination. Local officials are still hoping to convince Continental Airlines to resume its direct service between Rota and Guam which was eliminated about three years ago.

MVA needs at least $8.5 million to carry out its various infrastructure projects in Saipan, Tinian and Rota.

Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio has pledged his support in assisting MVA to ensure that its projects to improve tourist sites are implemented.

With its $5.8 million budget for Fiscal Year 2000, MVA may not even be able to carry out a promotional campaign that will cover its alternative markets in Asia such as Taiwan and Hong Kong.

Based on the inventory of MVA, it needs some $3.5 million to be able to refurbish 11 tourist sites Saipan. These are the Bird Island, Banzai Cliff, Grotto, Tapochau, Laulau Beach, Sugar King Park, Obyan Beach, Kalabera Cave, Suicide Cliff, Tank Beach and Ladder Beach.