MVA celebrates 30 years

Gov. Benigno R. Fitial has declared May as the CNMI Tourism Month even as the Marianas Visitors Authority celebrates its 30th anniversary this year.

In signing the proclamation Friday, Fitial acknowledged MVA’s significant contribution “to our economic prosperity, employment, and international trade and understanding.”

“MVA has been supporting our tourism industry for the past 30 years and I know MVA is committed to supporting tourism for many more years to come…The CNMI has only two main industries right now: tourism and manufacturing. This administration is committed to supporting both industries, especially tourism, because all of our other industries depend on our two main industries for profit and income,” said Fitial.

In the proclamation, Fitial said that regardless of economic events, tourism remains a mainstay in the Northern Marianas.

For his part, MVA board chairman Jerry Tan said in his brief remarks in Friday’s proclamation ceremony at the Governor’s Office that while many people think that tourism is only for tourists, “what’s actually good for tourists is also good for the local community.”

“It’s very important that we keep our local community in mind. Tourism is everybody’s business,” he said.

This year’s tourism month’s theme is “celebrating tourism yesterday, today, and tomorrow.”

MVA managing director Tess Castro said several activities are lined up for the month-long celebration.

These include the Ayuda Fun Run, which will be held on May 6 on Saipan and Tinian at Kilili Beach Park and Taga Beach, respectively.

Proceeds from the event will be donated to a non-profit organization from each island.

On May 12, Exploring tourism forum, focusing on different areas of tourism industry will be held for high school students.

The annual Taste of the Marianas International Food Festival and Beer Garden will be held every Saturday in May at American Memorial Park from 6pm to 10pm.

This event showcases local and international cuisine sold by participating hotel and local restaurant outlets.

On May 19, MVA is calling on people to wear red “to show your support in our tourism industry.”

“We most especially would like to encourage our industry partners to wear red to emphasize the importance of the tourism industry in our community,” said Castro.

Clean-up Saipan, a project by the MVA in partnership with the Division of Environmental Quality and the Japan-Saipan Travel Association will be held twice next month.

MVA/DEQ cleanup is set on May 6 from 7am to 10am from Makaka Beach to Sugar Dock, while MVA/JSTA will be held on May 15 from 6am to 8am at Chamolinian Cultural Village to Kilili Beach.

Castro said individuals interested to join the cleanup activities can meet the organizers on the set time in both locations.