Marianas to celebrate World Tourism Day on Sept. 27

The Marianas will join the global travel and tourism community in celebrating the United Nations World Tourism Organization’s World Tourism Day on Sept. 27, 2021.

“World Tourism Day is an opportunity for us to celebrate the important role tourism plays in the Marianas in creating jobs, generating revenue, and bringing our community together in sharing with the world what makes our islands unique and a beautiful place to live and visit,” Marianas Visitors Authority managing director Priscilla Maratita Iakopo. “We invite everyone to celebrate World Tourism Day.”

Businesses and other groups are invited to participate in island beautification cleanups on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota from 8:30am to 9:30am. Interested groups may contact the MVA for coordination of cleanup locations and trash pickup. The MVA will also provide trash bags, gloves, and water.

The World Tourism Day Sunset Fun Run will be held at 6pm on Saipan. It will begin at Minachom Atdao pavilion at Kilili Beach Park, follow the Saipan Beach Road Pathway to Quartermaster Road and back—a 5K route. In support of Cultural Heritage Month and recognizing the significance of indigenous culture to tourism, participants are encouraged to wear Chamorro and Carolinian attire. Registration will open at 5pm and the first 100 individuals on site will receive a free World Tourism Day T-shirt. Registration is free. Cash prizes will be awarded for Men and Women’s Divisions: $300 for first place, $200 for second place, and $100 for third place. Cash prizes and in-kind prizes for the Chamorro and Carolinian attire include $100 for first place, $75 for second place, and $50 for third place. On Tinian, the run will start at 5:30am at Taga Beach and proceed along Broadway to the Tinian International Airport intersection and back. On Rota, the run will start at 5:30pm at East Harbor and proceed to Kokomo and back.

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 clubs will be hosted from 9am to 11am. Tourism partners may avail of free tours from 11am to 1pm. The general public can visit the museum from 1pm to 5pm. COVID-19 protocols, including social distancing, will be observed. (MVA)