On Aug. 21, more than 30 private and public organizations on Saipan were recognized as they joined the Hafa Adai & Tirow Pledge campaign that encourages stakeholders to preserve, perpetuate, and promote the indigenous Chamorro and Carolinian cultures and traditions.<\/p>\n
The Hafa & Adai Tirow Pledge was first launched on Saipan in May and was followed by the Tinian and Rota unveiling in June. The GCEA capped its summer-long anniversary celebrations on Saipan with a recognition ceremony for its valued partners in the Public Private Partnership program, all of whom signed up for the Hafa & Adai Tirow Pledge, making this the largest pledge event to date. The partners\u2019 pledge represented more than 600 residents.<\/p>\n
In the past year, GCEA\u2019s PPP allies have adopted more than 60 tourist sites and village facilities throughout the three islands. As they continue to honor their commitments to the PPP initiative, they are also taking on another responsibility\u2014living and promoting the values of the Marianas\u2019 local cultures. The Hafa Adai & Tirow Pledge\u2019s main proponents\u2014the Saipan Chamber of Commerce, the Marianas Visitors Authority, and the GCEA\u2014see the campaign as a way to keep the local cultures alive and thriving in everyday experiences and serve as a critical tool for the recovery and sustainability of our tourism industry. If we do this right, visitors to the Marianas will experience cultural authenticity, feel the warm hospitality, taste local foods, and hear our languages spoken through many touchpoints.<\/p>\n
Culture and tourism are linked because the former makes the destination distinct in the latter\u2019s crowded and highly competitive global market. Our local culture is what sets us apart from other popular destinations and proves that the Marianas is more than just an island getaway. We have a community that could provide our visitors authentic cultural experiences they are longing for. The Marianas has individuals and groups that could show tourists our way of life through many forms\u2014arts and crafts, food, fairs and festivals, sports, music and performances, and conversations\/communications.<\/p>\n
A study published in 2006 to gauge Japanese tourists\u2019 satisfaction and experiences of the cultural heritage attractions in the Marianas found that they had the \u201clack of ability to actually experience the various elements of culture\u201d and had an even \u201cstronger intention to experience them during future visits.\u201d <\/p>\n
Through the Hafa & Adai Tirow Pledge, other related programs, and the support of our community, we hope to give all our visitors \u201cactual cultural experiences.”<\/p>\n
Understandably, these culture and tradition promotions will take a lot of effort and resources from our public and private partners to implement, but there\u2019s one best practice for the Hafa & Adai Tirow Pledge that won\u2019t require one to break the bank\u2014greeting visitors and fellow residents with a smile.<\/p>\n
Saipan is the first island to welcome visitors to the Marianas. A warm greeting at the Francisco C. Ada\/Saipan International Airport would certainly make a visitor feel welcomed in our beautiful islands as they look forward to sightseeing and \u201clife-seeing\u201d experiences in the CNMI.<\/p>\n
Let\u2019s show them our Hafa Adai & Tirow spirit and proudly represent our island\u2019s culture and traditions.<\/p>\n
For more information, visit the GCEA at cnmieconomy.com, on Facebook and Instagram (@cnmigov.economy), or contact them at gceacnmi@gmail.com.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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