MTEC visits Tinian Junior Senior High

The Marianas Tourism Education Council and Marianas Visitors Authority visited Tinian Junior Senior High on Oct. 24, 2016, to talk with students about working in the tourism and hospitality industry. For the past two years, the school has organized a MY WAVE (Marianas Youth Welcome All Visitors Enthusiastically) Club.

“My students absolutely enjoy the experience of being in the MY WAVE Club,” said club adviser Erica Evangelista. “They love to learn about and appreciate our island’s unique flora and fauna. They enjoy the experience of learning what it’s like to be a cook in our campus kitchen. They also enjoy the challenge of learning how to fundraise so that they can use the funds towards a special club get-together., such as a “tourist for a day” activity or dining out in our local restaurants. We thank MTEC for helping us further educate our students on the importance of the tourism industry.”

MTEC board member Gordon Marciano shared with the students his career path in the industry from cocktail server to general manager of tour company PDI. MTEC board member

Catherine Perry Harris gave students an overview of the tourism industry, including visitor profiles, how tourism benefits the community, careers in tourism, and various ways students can support the industry. Community projects specialist II Ryan Calvo presented on the role and activities of the MVA, including marketing activities and annual signature events.

“Although the tourism economy of Tinian is vastly different from that of Saipan at this point, the island is an important part of the overall package the MVA is advertising to visitors,” said MVA managing director Christopher A. Concepcion. “There are limitations on the number of available hotel rooms, but Tinian is still an excellent choice for a day trip, and we’re happy to join MTEC in dialoguing with students on their important role in supporting the industry. To support current tourism and proposed development on Tinian, we continue to make destination improvement on the islands in cooperation with the Tinian Mayor’s Office. And each year, a portion of our annual appropriation goes directly to the mayor’s office for charter flight incentives.”

Also this week, MTEC presented a plaque of appreciation to former MTEC board member James Nelson on Oct. 26, 2016, at a luncheon in his honor at Kanoa Resort.

“James is well-versed in the island’s tourism industry and is one of the Board’s strongest supporters of the MTEC programs and objectives,” said MTEC chair Vicky Benavente. “We appreciate his many years of service on the MTEC board of directors.”

When he served as general manager of Docomo Pacific, Nelson designated MTEC as the recipient of the company’s annual charity golf tournament, which raised funds to organize MY WAVE clubs and paved the way for this year’s well-supported inaugural Governor’s Tourism Cup.

“It’s MTEC’s focus on keeping tourism at the forefront of our children’s minds that makes it a very important organization,” said Nelson. “I will continue to support MTEC’s efforts in making sure that the next generation of leaders understand the value of a vibrant tourism industry.”

Schools interested in having an MTEC presentation may contact MVA community projects specialist Ryan Calvo at rcalvo@mymarianas.com or MVA community projects assistant Jennalyd Babauta at jbabauta@mymarianas.com or (670) 664-3210 to schedule a date. Private schools may also have a presentation upon request. (MTEC)