MTEC Tourism Summit on Jan. 19 emphasizes ‘Green Spaces’

“Green Spaces, Memorable Places/Kåmpun Betdi, Kåmpun Rikuetdu/Llingil Leyil Walúwal” and eco-tourism will be the emphasis for this year’s Marianas Tourism Education Council Tourism Summit on Jan. 19, 2024.

The annual summit gathers members of school MY WAVE—Marianas Youth Welcome All Visitors Enthusiastically—clubs to inspire them with information and activities focused on The Marianas’ primary economic driver, tourism. This year’s summit will focus on the importance of trees, forests, and other natural green spaces, particularly with the desire of today’s traveler for environmental conservation and physical, mental, and spiritual rejuvenation.

“The long-running demand for natural beauty in tourist destinations is something that our tropical paradise can certainly meet, so it will be great to help our students better understand and appreciate what their islands have to offer,” said MTEC board member and Northern Marianas College president Dr. Galvin Guerrero, who is leading the summit preparations.

While the summit has traditionally been held at a hotel, this year the summit committee plans to take participants into nature with a tour of several iconic and scenic tourist sites on Saipan.

“Based on the MVA’s exit surveys, the No. 1 activity that visitors want when they choose The Marianas is to enjoy nature,” said MTEC secretary and Marianas Visitors Authority Community Projects manager Martin Duenas. “Conservation of green spaces and replanting of trees are an important consideration of future infrastructure and other development, to keep The Marianas green and attractive for both visitors and residents.”

The summit will also feature educational exhibits by partner organizations and guest speakers.

MTEC’s outreach activities this school year are supported by the Hotel Association of the Northern Mariana Islands and the MVA.

For more information on MTEC or starting a school MY WAVE club, contact MVA Community Projects Specialist Jack Aranda at jaranda@mymarianas.com or tel. no. (670) 664-3200/1. (MTEC)