Creating paradise on earth

By RAY AUSTIN
Special to the Saipan Tribune

In a more perfect tourist destination we would need to find a paradise on earth. We might take the best of the very old styles, traditions and customs and combine it with futuristic technologies. We would need to work on clean, healthy and secure environments so magnificent that it impresses the world.

All residents would make extra efforts to greet tourists with a friendly Hafa Adai. Impressive streets and/or walkways might be lined with gold colored curbs or creative designs. Creative sidewalks might pass by sparkling lights that reflect on water fountains, simple but outstanding gardens and free flowing waterfalls. In the mist of the glory, colorful rainbows would be engineered.

The islands would come alive in a variety of different ways to motivate a spirit renewed with music, dancing, and laughter. Endless smiles of love, peace, relaxation, and excitement would be in the air. An array of entertainment, world events and options to shows of international diversity could be arranged since many of these part-time entertainers might already be here.

Increase everyone’s desire to stay on island as long as they possibly could. Use positive temptations of heaven on earth communicated by creative and detailed media tracking of event schedules and virtuous news stories.

Create mini-tours throughout the islands with even government agencies showing off their stuff. How about a lively tour through island history utilizing the Historic Preservation Office and a Division of Fish and Wildlife-partnered tour utilizing an oceanside aquarium, arboretum and zoo. A tour through Capitol Hill areas, such as a Mt. Tapochau panoramic viewing area walkway, and at least a cosmetically fixed legislative building tour, with designated times to rotate high ranking officials to shake hands and speak to tourist groups that may be interested. Create incentives for certain types of business to offer small tours for interested tourists. Encourage tourists to participate in local family events for a few hours. Encourage children of the same ages to become long distance pen pals.

Fair capacity Northern Mariana Islands cruise ship and transportation to the remote islands to create a hunter and fisherman’s paradise.

Increase government incentives for souvenirs, creative pictorial types of businesses, so happy tourist memories will not be forgotten. Include percentage incentives for sure shot tourist-attracting types of businesses. Find a way to ensure tourists get value for their money in these areas. Every item at maximum prices will turn tourists off. MVA might help manage pricing—slightly increase prices of airline ticket and/or rooms as occupancy increases over 90 percent, but strategically lower prices in package deals that include free items for kids and adults. Give monthly incentives to businesses that most improve their building appearance and creativity. Create an incentive to host more worldwide competitions, business and governmental events.

Finish and implement the old-style Chamorro Village, and find an investor that will create an island village amusement-style theme park with automated technologies in rooms where the birds sing and the flowers bloom (Teeki Rooms). Bring to the island and use simple cost-effective technologies throughout the islands to pleasantly greet and please guests.

Encourage all residents to understand the importance of tourism and how it absolutely affects all of our lives. Schools might increase activities that will help keep tourists. Allow tourist to mingle with island residents. Tour guides will help in successful communications and public relations. Again, we would just give the tourists more options to choose from so they would enjoy their stay with us.

Safety, security and modern health facilities may bring more elderly tourists who might make the wish to come here. With more team players involved and a more intense plan of action, the CNMI could become a little heaven on earth.

Ray Austin is a Chalan Piao resident. As he describes himself, “Age: On top of the hill, but still young, creative and active—just practicing my written skills and making an effort to save the world around me.”