MTEC re-elects Benavente as chair

The Marianas Tourism Education Council awards prizes to students of Saipan Southern High School on Nov. 11, 2016, during their educational outreach on tourism. Pictured from left are MTEC board member Catherine Perry, Marianas Visitors Authority community projects assistant Jennalyd Babauta, Hopwood Jr. High students, and MTEC chair Vicky Benavente. (MVA)

The MTEC (Marianas Tourism Education Council) elected officers for the new school year at its monthly membership meeting on Sept. 29, 2016, re-electing Vicky Benavente as chairwoman for a fifth term. Kanoa Resort GM Wendi Herring was elected anew as vice chair, while Marianas Visitors Authority community projects manager Martin Duenas will continue as secretary and Ernst & Young manager Shamika Ratwatte as treasurer, respectively.

The remainder of the MTEC board is composed of Christopher A. Concepcion (MVA), Jonas Barcinas and Naomi Nishimura (CNMI Public School System), Larry Lee (MTEC), James Nelson (Sorenson Media Broadcasting), Gordon Marciano (PDI), and Catherine Perry (Integrity Communications).

In addition, the board announced the annual MTEC Tourism Summit will be held on Jan. 26, 2017. The summit gathers representatives of school MY WAVE (Marianas Youth Welcome All Visitors Enthusiastically) clubs for a day and features industry speakers, planning, and educational presentations.

“Each year, the MY WAVE Clubs are given an opportunity to be learn more about their islands’ tourism and hospitality industry,” said Benavente. “Our goal is to increase awareness on the students’ potential for developing their skills and knowledge. These students are the future leaders of the CNMI.”

MTEC has also begun its annual school educational outreach on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota, presenting the message “Tourism is Everybody’s Business” to 10th graders at Saipan Southern High School on Oct. 4, 2016, and to 8th graders at Hopwood Jr. High on Oct. 12, 2016.

“In this industry, smile! Treat each day as if it was your birthday,” said Marciano in addressing both groups about the importance of hospitality. “We share and remind all of our MY WAVE student ambassadors to carry on that positive message, share it with family, friends and neighbors, and treat others how you would like to be treated. Be patient with our tourista. This is our only industry, and one wrong negative move can impact our destination through social networking and other forms of media, so keep that smile going and keep the Hafa Adai Tirow spirit alive!”

MTEC is slated to visit public high schools this month, middle schools in November, and elementary schools in the spring. Last year MTEC visited 17 schools on Saipan, Tinian and Rota in partnership with the Marianas Visitors Authority.

Schools interested in having an MTEC presentation may contact MVA Community projects specialist Ryan Calvo at rcalvo@mymarianas.com or MVA community projects assistant Jennalyd Babauta at jbabauta@mymarianas.com or (670) 664-3210 to schedule a date. (MTEC)