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May is Marianas Tourism Month
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Posted on May 03 2022
May has been designated as Marianas Tourism Month in recognition of tourism’s outsized role as the primary economic driver for the CNMI, comprising about three-fourths of the entire economy.
In a proclamation signing last Thursday, April 28, at the Office of the Governor’s conference room on Capital Hill, Gov. Ralph DLG Torres called upon all the people in the CNMI to unite in observing this occasion, especially through supporting and enhancing the tourism industry, “and I invite residents and visitors alike to observe and support the activities planned in celebration of this month.”
This comes as the CNMI’s tourism industry slowly starts to recover from the devastation of the COVID-19 pandemic in the last two years. In fiscal year 2021, only about 5,000 total visitors came to the CNMI. So far this fiscal year, approximately 18,000 visitors have come to the CNMI, according to the Marianas Visitors Authority, largely due to the success of the MVA’s Tourism Investment Resumption Plan—or TRIP—in cooperation with public and private partners.
Thursday’s proclamation states: “Our 2022 Marianas Tourism Month theme is “The Future of Travel,” looking at travel post-pandemic and beyond. Through the MVA’s 10-year Strategic Plan Toward a Sustainable Tourism Industry, the future of travel includes a modern, sustainable, and successful tourism industry achieved through integrated resource planning and management. This includes jobs, a solid tax base, and a diverse customer base that provide a healthy level of profit for businesses, that promotes interisland travel, and opportunities to enhance, preserve, and share the Marianas culture nationwide.
“The Marianas future of travel honors the heritage of the Chamorro and Carolinian people, including natural and cultural resources, by strengthening the relationship between the tourism industry and the Chamorro and Carolinian community and other activities. This includes taking the Hafa Adai and Tirow Pledge.
It said the Marianas future of travel develops tailored marketing efforts about the unique characteristics of Saipan, Tinian, Rota, and the Northern Islands; annual signature events, public outreach and education throughout the Marianas; equipping tour guides and agents with the right tools to best showcase the Marianas and its people; and “Safe Tourism” campaign that focus on preventing crime and other adversities, among other initiatives. (PR)
