‘Take pride in your language, history’

A visiting official from the Guam Tourism Education Council, Heidi Ballendorf, encouraged CNMI students to appreciate the islands’ culture, history and language, which make the Marianas unique compared to other destinations.

Speaking to over 200 of public school students at the 2011 MTEC/MYWAVE Tourism Summit yesterday, Ballendorf said that Saipan continues to enjoy the influx of tourists from various destinations mainly due to the “unique” features of the island.

She pointed out that only a little more than half of the people in Guam know how to speak the Chamorro language and the trend continues to decline.

“What makes this island unique? It’s your language and history that set this destination apart. You need to cultivate them to attract tourists to come. In many places in the States, kids don’t know about their history, the World War II stories. You just need to identify what’s unique about your island and help promote it,” she said.

Yesterday’s summit was part of Marianas Tourism Education Council’s efforts to get the youth involved in tourism activities.

MTEC board president Vicky Benavente said yesterday that compared to over 600 students in the first summit in 2004, only over 200 students participated yesterday. She said it is the organization’s goal to bring back the focus of students on MYWAVE activities that will aid in the recovery of ailing tourism industry. She described the students’ beach cleanups, greetings at airports and ship arrivals, performances around and outside the island as sure ways to attract tourists. To intensify these efforts, Benavente said that MTEC plans to endorse tourism and hospitality as a major component of the school curriculum.

For Garapan Elementary School sixth grader Nicole Meyers, yesterday’s summit gave her better understanding about tourism. She vowed her continue participating in beach cleanups to maintain the beauty of the destination.

VJ Agulto, an eighth grader from Hopwood Junior High, also vowed to show the Hafa Adai [welcome] spirit to visitors.

Yesterday’s event was also graced by University of Guam professor Dr. Fred Schumann, MVA board members led by chair Marian Aldan-Pierce, MVA managing director Perry Tenorio, and representatives of the Legislature and the office of Delegate Kilili Sablan.

MTEC is a nonprofit organization established in 2002. Its objective is to promote community awareness on the importance of tourism industry. MYWAVE stands for Marianas Youth Welcome All Visitors Enthusiastically.