NATJA chooses NMI as contest prize destination

The Northern Mariana Island of Rota recently welcomed travel journalist Bryan Scofield as part of the annual North American Travel Journalists Association Awards Competition. For his first place Best Travel Broadcast entry in the 2007 NATJA contest, Scofield was awarded a package tour to the tropical island of Rota and the neighboring island of Guam earlier this month.

Schofield and travel companion Jenny Broughton were on Rota on Jan.10-12, 2009, where they lodged at Rota Resort and Country Club. Their first day on island included a trail trek through the resort farmland property leading to the famous and picturesque Swimming Hole site, before returning to enjoy the warm sunshine and northern breeze while relaxing poolside at the resort.

Day 2 featured a south island tour of the Cave Museum, Tweksberry Beach Park, Aqua Gift Shop, Honey Garden, Japanese era relics, including the Sugar Mill Train and World War II cannon overlooking Sasanhaya Bay, and a panaromic view of Rota’s legendary Wedding Cake Mountain. The couple spent a leisurely afternoon at Teteto Beach, followed by a sunset barbeque overlooking the ocean.

“Rota has maintained a balance between modern conveniences and deep island history…truly the most relaxation I’ve had in years,” said Schofield, following his visit.

True to its moniker as “the friendly island,” Rota also made an impression on Broughton.

“The resort was spectacular, and we met many kind locals. When the people are this welcoming, you never want to leave,” said Broughton.

The couple also received a personal hafa adai (“hello” in indigenous Chamorro) welcome from Rota board representative Edward U. Maratita of the Marianas Visitors Authority. Before their departure on the final day, they took a jungle tour of the island’s lush north side jungles.

“We’re honored that NATJA would choose the Mariana Islands as a destination prize for our nation’s top travel journalists,” said MVA managing director Perry Tenorio. “We’re please that we could collaborate with our partners at the Guam Visitors Bureau to showcase the appeal of our islands as a travel destination.”

NATJA is professional association of writers, photographers, editors, and tourism professionals founded in 1991 as a non-political organization. NATJA’s mission is “to support the professional development of its members, provide exceptional benefits and valuable resources, support high quality professional journalism, promote travel and leisure activities to the public, and honor the excellence of journalism throughout the world.” To join NATJA, applicants must prove only that they are legitimate working travel journalists but do not need “sponsorship” from incumbent members. [B][I](MVA)[/I][/B]