250 students to join MTEC/MY WAVE tourism summit today

Over 250 students have expressed interest in making tourism their business by registering for today’s MTEC/MY WAVE Tourism Summit.

The collaborative effort of the Marianas Tourism Education Council, school MY WAVE clubs, the Public School System, and the Marianas Visitors Authority aims to educate students more on their role in tourism. Organizers hope the event will also result in the formation of new MY WAVE (Marianas Youth Welcome All Visitors Enthusiastically) clubs.

A full day of activities will be held for students grades 3-12 at the Fiesta Resort & Spa.

Heidi Ballendorf, president of the Guam Tourism Education Council, will be the keynote speaker. Also scheduled to address the group are MVAchair Marian Aldan-Pierce; Dr. Fred Schumann, a professor from the University of Guam School of Business and Public Administration and board member of the Guam Tourism Education Council; and Hopwood Jr. High School MY WAVE club president Mikee Campo.

Students will then have the opportunity to demonstrate their understanding of the industry by developing an action plan for the school year aimed at promoting tourism.

“Tourism contributes to the growth and progress of communities; it allows for the exchange of cultures in a global society and helps promote our economy,” said Summit chair and Hopwood MY WAVE Club adviser Epi Cabrera, Jr. “As participants of this summit, we must bear in mind our roles to lead our schools and communities toward a direction filled with purpose, equity, and spirit. I hope that our future leaders present at the summit will understand their responsibilities in positively shaping our islands.”

The first MY WAVE Tourism summit has held in 2004.

“MTEC is looking forward to meeting with students at the elementary school level this school year and continuing our educational outreach,” said Vicky Benavente, MTEC chairwoman. “It’s very important to teach these kids while they’re teachable, reachable, and listening.”

Earlier this year, MTEC and MVA also conducted educational presentations to student leaders and other groups at public and private junior and senior high schools.

“The youth are the future of the tourism industry, and the [MVA] is exceptionally pleased to partner with MTEC and PSS on this week’s Tourism Summit,” said MVA managing director Perry Tenorio. “These young people are setting an example for the entire community in becoming more than just observers and beneficiaries of tourism, but active and enthusiastic participants in the industry.”

MTEC is a nonprofit organization promoting community awareness on the importance of the visitor industry in the Northern Marianas. Membership is open to all business, community groups, and private individuals. (MVA)