Ways to improve tourism proposed

Measures to ensure the islands’ scenic attractions are suited to the tastes of the relatively modern generation must be instituted to sustain the survival of the local tourism industry.

This as the CNMI’s share of tourists apparently get younger and younger.

In the purview of an expert in the hospitality and tourism arena, local leaders should explore the possibility of creating one particular legislation that would ensure continuous development of the islands’ most visited places and sites.

Former Northern Marianas College Dean of Professional Programs Tony Deleon Guerrero has raised the prospect of adapting a statute similar to that of Hawaii, where developers are required to apportion a percentage of their business investment for site development.

The US state reportedly mandates existing and incoming developers to shell out an estimated three to five percent of their investment for the aesthetic improvement of its business surroundings.

The arrangement which is in partnership with the government is conducted with aid from an architectural designer.

“In the past, tourists who came to Northern Marianas were relatively older folks who cared about the history of the island. But that market is disappearing and now we mostly see an emergence of a younger generation of visitors,” said Mr. Guerrero.

“If we want to sustain that market then we must be sensitive to their likes and provide attractions that would cater to their preference,” he added.

According to the former head of the Business and Hospitality Management department of the College, this tourism initiative would address what is anticipated to be the negative effects of unplanned site-enhancement projects.

“Especially for developers who do not care for the aesthetic aspect in their respective places of business. Here on island, we have some establishments who have paved their roads with asphalt and cement. If we continue to allow that to happen, it would hurt the image and reputation of the islands as a nature-oriented destination. If we are not appealing to tourists, our visitors would continue to decline,” he warned.

Mr. Deleon Guerrero aired his proposal amid ongoing preparations for the 2001 CNMI Tourism Month that the Marianas Visitors Authority is spearheading for the whole month of May.

MVA this year is planning for a diverse schedule of activities aimed at creating tourism awareness in the CNMI.

A 2001 Tourism Month Committee has been formed comprising members from various agencies including NMC.

The month-long celebration will kick-off at the Garapan Street Market on May 3 and will feature the Battle of the Dancers competition.

It will be followed by the inauguration of the annual Taste of the Marianas food exhibit on May 5, Saturday, and will be held for the next three succeeding Saturdays.

Tourism month will also highlight the NMC-led Tourism Symposium where the community is expected to converge for a forum discussing on tourism and related issues.

The community’s feedback on the state of the local tourism industry will be recorded for purposes of creating a plan of action which will be used as a basis for instituting improvements to the Commonwealth’s leading revenue source.