Eco-tourism project eyed for pristine Rota

When TanHoldings held a cleanup drive on Rota early this month, no garbage bag came out full and some of them were nearly empty.

No. The company’s executives and employees did not cheat. It’s just that there weren’t much trash to pick up.

One visitor joked that you could find more coconut crabs than trash when you go deep into the lush jungles of Rota.

Mayor Efraim Atalig said they are doing their best to keep the island pristine to attract tourists who he hopes would help rejuvenate Rota’s depressed economy.

“Visitors appreciate Rota’s unspoiled beauty and we want to keep it that way as we try our best to revive the tourism industry on our island,” Atalig said.

With very little garbage to pick up, TanHoldings executives and visitors’ eyes feasted on the greenery that surrounds the villages of Songsong and Sinapalo and the crystal clear waters of the Swimming Hole, Mochong Beach, and other hidden treasures of Rota.

The catch and release of coconut crabs could be an attraction for tourists as a tour company based on Saipan plans to bring visitors to Rota.

Century Tours is holding exploratory talks with NMI Asset Acquisition, Inc. to develop tour packages for visitors. NMIAAI is headed by Francisco Atalig and is made up of hotel and other business owners on Rota. It aims to work with tour agencies in finding sites and adventures for tourists.

“We are looking at promoting ecotourism on Rota because of the island’s untouched beauty and we will begin with developing a day tour plan,” Century Tours’ Ivan Quichocho said.

Atalig said a day tour package should include a stop at Mochong Beach where tourist can enjoy its white and almost powdery sand while indulging in island-style barbecue. Another must is the Swimming Hole, which is surrounded by rock formations that create mini-hot tubs. Other suggested attractions are the Rota Bird Sanctuary, Latte Stone Quarry, Alaguan Bay Lookout, Okgok Water Falls, Mochong Latte Stone Villlage, As Matmos Fishing Cliff, and the Wedding Cake.

“I hope the day tour will be the first step toward developing Rota as an eco-tourism destination in the Marianas,” Marianas Visitors Authority board vice chair Vince Calvo said. “Rota is very excited to welcome visitors. Come and experience our famous Rota Wave.” (PR)