Criteria set for World Tourism Day cultural attire contest

Sixty-five participants join the World Tourism Day Sunset Run Fun in Saipan on Sept. 27, 2021. World Tourism Day will be observed on Sept. 27, 2022, with activities on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

The Marianas Visitors Authority has announced the judging criteria for the Chamorro and Carolinian cultural attire contest that will be held on Sept. 27, 2022, during the World Tourism Day Sunset Walkathons on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota.

Participants will be judged based on authenticity, presentation, effort, and detail. On each island, cash prizes for best Chamorro and Carolinian cultural attire will be awarded: $300 for first place, $200 for second place, $100 for third place, $75 for fourth place, and $50 for fifth place.

Walks begin at 6pm and registration is free and opens at 5pm. The free T-shirts will be distributed while supplies last. Registration forms are downloadable on The Marianas Calendar at www.mymarianas.com.

Saipan’s walk will begin at the Mina’chom Atdao Pavilion at Kilili Beach Park in Susupe, continue along Saipan Beach Pathway to Quartermaster Road and back. On Tinian, the walk will begin at Taga Beach, proceed along Broadway to the MVA office, and return to Taga Beach. On Rota, the walk will begin at East Harbor, proceed to Kokomo, and return to East Harbor.

“We cordially invite the Marianas community to join the global travel and tourism community in celebrating the United Nations World Tourism Day on Tuesday,” said MVA Community projects manager Martin Duenas. “On Sept. 27 and every day in The Marianas, tourism is everybody’s business.”

Businesses and other groups are invited to participate in island beautification cleanups on Saipan at Paseo de Marianas in Garapan from 8:30am to 10:30am, on Tinian at Tinian Swimming Hole in the west side of Tinian at 8:30am. The MVA will also provide trash bags, gloves, and water.

In collaboration with the Northern Mariana Islands Museum of History & Culture, CNMI Museum Day will highlight the importance of promoting history for tourism by offering free tours at the museum. High school Marianas Youth Welcome All Visitors Enthusiastically (MY WAVE) clubs will be hosted from 8am to 12pm. Students will also have the opportunity to join Color Nights painting session with local instructor Linda Torres.

For more information on World Tourism Day activities on Saipan, contact MVA Community Projects specialist Jack Aranda at jaranda@mymarianas.com or 1.670.664.3210. On Tinian, contact MVA Field Operations supervisor Vida Borja at vborja@mymarianas.com or 1.670.433.9365. On Rota, contact MVA Field Operations supervisor David Atalig at datalig@mymarianas.com or 1.670.532.0327.

The official World Tourism Day celebration will be held in Bali, Indonesia, highlighting the shift towards tourism being recognized as a crucial pillar of development. (PR)