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Marianas Ocean Tourism ambassadors turn eyes to Rota
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- Marianas Visitors Authority Rota Field Office supervisor Sandra Atalig, center, welcomes Marianas Ocean Tourism ambassador Yorko Summer and other first-time visitors to the “world’s friendliest island” on June 13, 2018. From left are MVA Taiwan Country manager Milane Tsai, Yorko Summer, Ailsa Chang, Sandra Atalig, Ming Chen, Carrie Tai, and Min Chen. (Contributed Photo)
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- The waters of Rota in The Marianas offer over 200 feet visibility under some conditions, making SCUBA and free diving one of the islands biggest attractions. (Contributed Photo)
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- Marianas Ocean Tourism ambassador Yorko Summer, prepares to sample island dishes at a sunset dinner hosted by the Mayor of Rota on June 13, 2018, in The Marianas. (Contributed Photo)
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- A typical island-style plate served in The Marianas includes red rice, barbeque, coco (pickled fruit or vegetables), and other side dishes. (Contributed Photo)
Marianas Ocean Tourism ambassador Yorko Summer is turning eyes to the underwater wonders of Rota, leading a media FAM(iliarization) tour organized by the Marianas Visitors Authority for Summer and other first-time visitors to the island.
Summer, a Top 100 underwater photographer and noted lecturer, was joined on June 11-18, 2018, by super blogger Carrie Tai, travel blogger Ailsa Chang, 2018 Intern to The Marianas Min Chen, MVA Country manager Milane Tsai, and an assistant/model to capture underwater photos and discover the tourism resources of the island, known for its unspoiled nature beauty and island hospitality.
“To see is to believe!” said Tai. “By seeing ‘The World’s Friendliest Island’ sign right outside of the airport, we started to feel the warmth that Rota people would like to bring to visitors.”
Dives were arranged by Rota Scuba Center Rubin to famous diving sites including Carol Garden, Jerry’s Reef, Koko Reef, Pinatang Reef, Sandy Beach, and Rota Hall.
“I’ve dived on Saipan, Tinian, and many places in the world and it is surprising that the visibility underwater is around 50 to 75 meters in Rota. This makes me want to explore and share the beauty of Rota with all divers around the world,” said Summer. “And the color of the ocean is so much like Tiffany blue!”
The group was welcomed by Rota Mayor Efraim M. Atalig with a sunset dinner at breezy Teteto Beach. MVA board member Agida Quitugua and MVA managing director Christopher A. Concepcion also joined the dinner. A Chamorro BBQ lunch served with fresh coconut juice was also enjoyed by the group later in the trip.
On land, the group also visited the Swimming Hole, As Nieves Latte Stone Quarry, Song Song Lookout, Rota Resort and Country Club, and Tiana’s Restaurant.
“The quality of food is good, and the flavor is tasty at the Tiana’s!” said Chang after dining there.
All photos and articles generated on the tour, valued at $120,000 worth of media exposure, will be further used by the MVA for its marketing and promotional use. (PR)
