Inos declares May as Tourism Month

Tourism advocates and officials of the Marianas Visitors Authority and its board of directors, HANMI, and Tasi Tours join Gov. Eloy S. Inos and Lt. Gov. Jude U. Hofschneider at the Office of the Governor yesterday morning. (Jayson Camacho)

Gov. Eloy S. Inos and Lt. Gov. Jude U. Hofschneider jointly signed the 2014 CNMI Tourism Month proclamation at the Office of the Governor yesterday morning.
The proclamation designates May as Tourism Month and encourages the community to become aware of the “unique recreational, cultural, and lifestyle appeal of the CNMI and how tourism plays a great role in the CNMI in improving lives and the visitors’ lives as well.”

Marianas Visitors Authority board chair Marian Aldan-Pierce said that MVA’s motto—“Tourism is Everybody’s Business”—remains a vital reminder for all residents and stakeholders alike of tourism’s role in the community.

“In fiscal year 2013, the tourism industry contributed $1.07 billion in direct and indirect impact to the CNMI economy. [A total of] 433,95 people visited the CNMI, an increase of more than 11 percent from the past year,” Pierce said.

MVA board vice chair James Nelson said that tourism benefits and substantially enhances the personal growth, education, and quality of life of the islands’ residents.

“Tourism promotes intercultural understanding, friendship, and appreciation of the people, geography, and history of the CNMI. Tourism raises awareness of the historical significance and importance of the events that have taken place in the CNMI,” Nelson said.

MVA managing director Perry Tenorio pointed out that tourism “is the sole economic driver of the CNMI and must be nurtured for the benefit of the people.”

“MVA and the board have been working on various activities for this month’s awareness on tourism,” he added.

The lineup of activities scheduled for Tourism Month includes the Taste of the Marianas, one of the most popular annual activities on Saipan.

Other activities for May is “Spirit Island Wear Fridays” which calls on the local community to wear island attire or local traditional wear and post their photos on Facebook.

Tenorio said that one lucky winner per week will be chosen and winners will receive Taste of the Marianas tokens and a Tourism Month T-shirt.

Other activities are outreach presentation during Saturday evenings at the Taste of the Marianas, on-the-street interviews of random people that will be featured on Saipan Tribune every Tuesday, and a radio tourism trivia.

The proclamation signing was witnessed by MVA staff, MVA’s board of directors, the Consulate of Japan on Saipan, Hotel Association of the Northern Marianas Islands members, and Tasi Tours.