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MTEC reboots school outreach this year
From left, Marianas Tourism Education Council board member Catherine Perry, MTEC chair Vicky Benavente ,and Marianas Visitors Authority community projects specialist Jack Aranda display branded sling bags distributed as quiz prizes at MTEC’s presentation on Nov. 7, 2019, at Tinian Sr./Jr. High School. (MVA)
After a year’s hiatus following Super Typhoon Yutu, the Marianas Tourism Education Council is forging full steam ahead with its annual school outreach, kicking off with a presentation at Tinian Jr./Sr. High last Nov. 7, 2019.
Thirty-seven 10th graders at the school talked about tourism and the hospitality industry with MTEC chair Vicky Benavente and other presenters.
“Understandably, Tinian’s experience with the devastation from Super Typhoon Yutu has made it challenging for the school and its students to focus on anything else but recovery,” said Benavente. “But these high school students spoke with great enthusiasm and knowledge about the CNMI’s tourism industry.”
Marianas Visitors Authority community projects specialist Jack Aranda teaches 10th graders at Tinian Jr./Sr. High School about the responsibilities and activities of the tourism office during the presentation of Marianas Tourism Education Council on Nov. 7, 2019. (MVA)
Under this year’s theme of “VolunTOURISM: Learn today, lead tomorrow,” MTEC board member Catherine Perry gave an overview of the Marianas tourism industry to students and shared examples of how they can become involved in the industry in high school, including volunteering and various public and private programs to explore industry career paths.
Marianas Visitors Authority community projects specialist Jack Aranda shared about the work of the state tourism office, with emphasis on marketing and promotions conducted in the Marianas’ major source markets, as well as signature events organized by the MVA annually.
Following the presentations, students were quizzed and received branded giveaways.
Tenth graders at Tinian Jr./Sr. High School answer questions during the presentation of the Marianas Tourism Education Council on Nov. 7, 2019. MTEC visits schools annually to teach students about the Marianas’ tourism industry. (MVA)
MTEC presents to 5th, 8th, and 10th graders annually on Saipan, Tinian and Rota in partnership with MVA. The presentations are also sponsored by the Hotel Association of the Northern Mariana Islands, Kanoa Resort Saipan, Fiesta Resort & Spa Saipan, Ernst & Young, Pacific Islands Club Saipan, and T Galleria.
Schools interested in having a one-hour MTEC presentation may contact MTEC board member Naomi Nishimura at naomi.nishimura@cnmipss.org. (PR)
