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May is month to celebrate tourism
Tourism-related organizations gathered for the Tourism Month proclamation signing yesterday at the Governor’s Office conference room on Capitol Hill. (Kimberly A. Bautista)
The tourism industry makes up about 72 percent of the CNMI’s economy and May has been designated to celebrate it.
According to Marianas Visitors Authority managing director Chris Concepcion, May has been proclaimed Tourism Month and it is initially to recognize all the stakeholders of the tourism industry in the CNMI.
“May is the time for us to reflect, pay tribute, and celebrate those who work hard day in and day out, 24 hours a day, to support this industry.
The biggest event in store for Tourism Month is the 20th Annual Taste of the Marianas International Food Festival and Beer Garden. Taste of the Marianas is the biggest food festival in the CNMI.
Concepcion said that this year MVA has incorporated new activities to continue to entice tourists to participate in the festivities.
The opening night of Taste of the Marianas will be this Saturday, May 5. In recognition of Cinco de Mayo, MVA has decided to include a taco-eating contest. Contestant will be required to devour an entire plate of tacos and wash it all down with a shot of alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverage.
MVA has also prepared a fried chicken-eating contest during the Taste of the Marianas.
According to Concepcion, MVA has gone as far as bringing in an international contestant from Japan to partake in the contest. Additional information on the competition is yet to be announced.
Aside from the added activities, the community can expect some of the most delicious local foods and traditional performances during the Taste of the Marianas.
In celebration of Tourism Month, the community can also expect a roadside waving on May 18, a MY WAVE Club Island Tour on May 25, a Spirit Instagram Competition, a Graphic Design Contest, and Radio Tourism Trivia all throughout the month of May.
