‘Destination Education’ launched By Marian A. Maraya

The new government-initiated task force envisioned to integrate both education and tourism by tapping Japanese high school students, has moved to expand its student exchange support program after launching to a group called “Destination Education” steering committee.

The team said they plan to meet with Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio next week to discuss strategies that would lure more Japanese students to conduct educational tours in the Northern Marianas.

The students’ visit is targeted to incorporate both business and pleasure during their two to four-week stay on the island.

Committee member Yoichi Matsumura, Pacific Development Inc. general manager, said some 500 Japan private schools hold yearly educational excursions to different countries such as Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Canada, Hawaii, and the mainland US.

Citing Japan as a huge market, Mr. Matsumura said CNMI would be a nice and convenient destination for Japanese students due to cheaper airfare and proximity .

Based on his research, Mr. Matsumura noted that some 500 high schools in Japan that conduct annual excursions may find this offer attractive enough.

Northern Marianas College Development and Alumni Relations Director Tony Deleon Guerrero, a member of the committee, is optimistic on CNMI’s potential under the Destination Education marketing scheme.

“They say that Saipan really has a lot of potential because we are part of the U.S. plus we’re a tropical destination and we are only three hours away. We are trying to work with airlines and travel agencies to offer Saipan as an educational tour option. And we can try to combine fun and education at the same time for these students. I can see that this would also benefit us,” said Mr. Guerrero.

The planning committee is composed of representatives from the Public School System, Marianas Visitors Authority, NMC, Hotel Association of the Northern Mariana Islands, Governor’s Office, PDI, Jalpak, and other private agencies.

The committee is planning to create promotional brochures that would outline what the Northern Marianas has to offer.

Preliminary plans, according to Mr. Guerrero, may involve CNMI’s lone college, NMC, to provide non-English speaking Japanese students with language lessons through its Intensive English Language Learning program.

The IELL program under NMC’s Language Department, offers intensive courses for students who want to develop conversational English skills, as well as English reading and writing abilities.