WSR Elementary students engage in tourism topics
(Photos by MTEC)
Fourth and fifth graders at William S. Reyes Elementary School engaged with tourism topics presented by the Marianas Tourism Education Council and Marianas Visitors Authority last April 11, 2023, at their school.
MTEC board member Glenn Policare of Kanoa Resort Saipan gave an overview of the Marianas’ primary economic driver, how it impacts their lives, and ways students can support tourism even while still in school.
“It was amazing, during the presentation, for all of the students to be calling out the names of the sites which were highlighted during the MVA video,” said Policare. “The kids at W.S.R. sure do know their islands!”
MVA community projects specialist Jack Aranda shared about the work of the various divisions of the MVA, including marketing activities and upcoming community projects such as May Tourism Month and the 24th Annual Taste of the Marianas International Food Festival & Beer Garden in June.
“We’re almost done with 2022-23 MTEC/MVA Educational Outreach program. The students are able to learn about their own experiences with the tourism industry,” added MTEC acting chairwoman Vicky Benavente, who opened and closed the presentation. “I’m looking forward to seeing the results from this program, especially as the kids grow older and develop their skills in whatever field they choose. “
MTEC and the MVA aim to visit all public schools each school year with the message, “Tourism is Everybody’s Business.” The MTEC presentation includes information on the number visitor arrivals, source markets, travel motivations, the benefits of tourism, careers in travel and tourism, and ideas on how students can engage with tourism.
Other MTEC board members are Martin Duenas (MVA), Dr. Galvin Guerrero (Northern Marianas College), Larry Lee, Catherine Perry (Integrity Communications), Naomi Nishimura (CNMI Public School System), Gordon Marciano (PDI), and Dr. Yunzi Zhang (Northern Marianas College School of Business). (MVA)
