Schedule lined up for tourism month

The CNMI Tourism Month will kick off with a host of activities planned for the whole month of May. The various activities are aimed at enhancing public awareness on the industry’s economic, cultural and social contributions to the CNMI.

The theme of this year’s celebration is “Tourism Works for the CNMI.”

On May 3, there will be soft Kick Off at the Garapan Street Market where the Marianas Visitors Authority will officially announce the start of Tourism Month. A special booth will be put up at the Street Market where interested participants will be able to sign up for the many events and activities planned for Tourism Month.

On May 5, there will be a charity Ayuda Fun Run. The run will start at 6am at the southern tip of the Kilili Beach Park Pathway. Walkers are welcome to join the event. All proceeds collected will be given to selected charitable organization. Registration fee is $15.00 and will include a T-shirt and light refreshments.

The Official Kick-Off for Tourism Month will commence on Saturday at 6pm with a ceremony at the American Memorial Park in conjunction with the opening of the Taste of the Marianas, sponsored by MVA and the Hotel Association.

The Taste of the Marianas will be held every Saturday of the month at the American Memorial Park. Governor Pedro P. Tenorio will be on hand to deliver the opening remarks after the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The Taste of the Marianas will be open from 6pm to 10pm. Local and off-island groups will play each night as an added attraction. There will be a chefs competition, cocktail competition, Entertainment and art exhibits.

The Wakai Nekko No Kai, a floating institution of higher learning will bring approximately 350 ocean university students and staff to the CNMI and is scheduled to visit on May 8 on board the Fuji Maru.

The WNNK is an ocean university attended by students representing both government and private sectors in Japan. This year’s visit will mark the 33rd voyage of the group.

In an effort to recognize tourism industry employees, MVA encourages all industry employees to wear their favorite red outfit on May 9. The day will be celebrated across the United States as “Tourism Employees Wear Red Day” to demonstrate that tourism provides one of every eight people in the US with jobs.

This event was developed to help promote a wider understanding of travel and tourism as a major US industry that is vital to the economic stability and growth of the nation and that contribute substantially to its cultural and social well being.

May 12 will be the 2nd Annual Saipan Flower/Ornamental Plants Festival. This event, which will take place from 9am to 3pm at the Multi-Purpose Center in Susupe, is organized by the Saipan Nurserymen Association.

May 14-18 will be Tourism Career Presentation Week. Key industry representatives will be visiting high schools to share with students career opportunities offered by the tourism industry.

In an effort to encourage local youths to pursue jobs in the private sector, public and private high school students will be given the opportunity to experience management positions and to receive hands-on training in the tourism industry for a half-day on May 16.

May 18 is designated as Man Amko Tourist For A Day. The elderly from the Aging Office will be treated as tourists for a day. The schedule will include an informative site-seeing tour of the island’s tourist spots, a tour of the CNMI Museum, DFS and will conclude with a BBQ picnic at the beach.

On May 19, the 12th Annual Tagaman Triathlon will take place on scenic Beach Road and will feature a 2K swim, 60K Bike Race, and a 15K Run. Triathletes from Japan, US, Guam, Australia, the CNMI and other countries will take part in this exciting sports event which begins at the Pacific Islands Club beach side at 6am.

May 20 will be the 2nd Annual SOPHIA Walk which will feature a 70 K walk along scenic Beach Road.

May 21 to 25 is Arbor Week. Industry members are encouraged to participate in this event by designating certain areas to beautify any day during the week. Areas may include beaches, parks, business surroundings, roads, and offices.

The culmination of CNMI Tourism Month, will be the Tourism Summit to be held on May 31. This summit will gather key industry representatives and government leaders to discuss current issues affecting the CNMI’s tourism industry and to formulate recommendations for possible solutions.