KagHS students share their knowledge of tourism

In their ongoing educational presentations to local schools this school year, Marianas Tourism Education Council and Marianas Visitors Authority were delighted to find students at Kagman High School well-versed in the basics of the Marianas tourism industry.

Students were able to name the top source markets of visitors pre-COVID (South Korea, China, and Japan) and post-COVID (South Korea), identify the main activity visitors want to experience when visiting the islands (enjoy nature), describe the connection between tourist arrivals and revenue generation and job creation, and share other important facts.

“Kagman High students offered intelligent and respectful participation during last Feb. 28’s outreach, and it was a delight to dialogue with them,” said MTEC chair Vicky Benavente. “After about a decade of these school presentations, MTEC and the MVA are seeing that today’s students are more aware, more informed, and more inspired about tourism than when we started. And we appreciate their support of the industry by being hospitable, keeping the Marianas clean and ‘green,’ sharing their culture, and in other ways.”

In line with this year’s school outreach theme, “Green Spaces, Memorable Places/Kåmpun Betdi, Kåmpun Rikuetdu/Llingil Leyil Walúwal,” MTEC is inviting students to put themselves in the shoes of a tourist enjoying the Marianas’ natural environment.

The outreach team aims to engage 4th graders, 7th graders, and 10th graders this year on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota with information and activities highlighting the Marianas’ primary economic driver, how it impacts their lives, and ways students can support tourism even at a young age. The presentation also includes an overview of programs and activities of the MVA, including its annual signature events like this month’s Tinian Hot Pepper Festival and Saipan Marathon 2024 on March 9.

Benavente was joined by MTEC board member Catherine Perry and MVA Community Projects specialist Jack Aranda at the presentation. Other MTEC board members are vice chair Glenn Policare (Kanoa Resort), secretary Martin Duenas (MVA), treasurer Larissa Larson, Dr. Galvin Deleon Guerrero (Northern Marianas College), Larry Lee, Naomi Nishimura (CNMI Public School System), Gordon Marciano (PDI), and Dr. Yunzi Zhang (Northern Marianas College).

Schools interested in starting a MY WAVE Club to engage students with tourism may contact Aranda at jaranda@mymarianas.com or (670) 664-3200 for more information. (PR)