MTEC sets ‘Green Spaces, Memorable Places’ as annual theme

Setting the direction for another school year of outreach, the Marianas Tourism Education Council on Friday selected the theme “Green Spaces, Memorable Places” to bookmark all its activities in the year ahead.

MTEC will kick off its annual activities on Nov. 15, 2023, meeting with school MYWAVE (Marianas Youth Welcome All Visitors Enthusiastically) Club Advisors at Pacific Islands Club Saipan. The meeting will focus on ways the two organizations can collaborate to involve students with the islands’ number one industry—tourism.

“We’re super excited to initiate MTEC’s annual calendar of events with our MYWAVE advisors, who are one of our essential partners,” said MTEC chairwoman Vicky Benavente. “And for those schools who do not yet have a MYWAVE Club and who are interested to form one this year, we encourage you to sign up before Nov. 15.”

Schools sending club representatives (limit two advisers) to the meeting or wanting more information on forming a MYWAVE Club may contact MVA Community Projects coordinator Jack Aranda at jaranda@mymarianas.com or 1.670.664.3200.

The theme “Green Spaces, Memorable Places” coincides with the World Tourism Day 2023 theme, “Green Investments” and highlights the growing trend of eco-tourism and how the Marianas community can create and enhance green spaces for a unique visitor experience and a more sustainable industry.

Other upcoming programs for the year include educational presentations at schools, the annual MTEC Tourism Summit scheduled for January 2024, stipends for MYWAVE club advisers for qualified expenses, and the MTEC Scholarship program for graduating seniors.

MTEC is a non-profit organization whose mission is three-fold: to foster community understanding and support of the visitor industry; to educate the public, especially school students, about the value, social benefits, and economic contributions made to the community by the visitor industry; and to instill, improve, and promote the “Hafa Ada -Tirow” hospitality spirit throughout the island community.

In addition to Benavente, MTEC board members include Martin Duenas (MVA), Galvin Guerrero (Northern Marianas College), Larry Lee, Naomi Nishimura (CNMI Public School System), Gordon Marciano (PDI), Catherine Perry (Integrity Communications), Glenn Policare (Kanoa Resort), Yunzi Zhang (Northern Marianas College), and Larissa Larson. (MTEC)