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MTEC/MY WAVE Tourism Summit draws 300-plus students
DOCOMO Pacific general manager James Nelson, in yellow, donates over $14,000 to the Marianas Tourism Education Council at the MTEC/MY WAVE Tourism Summit on Oct. 30, 2013, at Saipan World Resort, Northern Mariana Islands. Receiving the check was MTEC chair Vicky Benavente, second from left. (Contributed Photo)
Wednesday’s MTEC (Marianas Tourism Education Council)/MY WAVE (Marianas Youth Welcome All Visitors Enthusiastically) Tourism Summit attracted over 300 participants focused on the theme “Tourism is Everybody’s Business 24/7 in the 670.”
The summit was highlighted by student breakout sessions allowing students to develop ideas to address tourism issues in the Northern Marianas, including environmental protection, development of new tourist attractions, visitor safety, and cultural promotion.
“These students, members of the MY WAVE clubs, are the future leaders of the Northern Mariana Islands,” said MTEC chair Vicky Benavente. “They are already understanding the importance of tourism to our community at this young age, and that gives us hope for their future as adults in the job market.”
Keynote speaker Mary P. Rhodes, president of the Guam Hotel and Restaurant Association, challenged students to think about their future in the tourism industry as part of the workforce and community members. Marianas Visitors Authority vice chair James Nelson echoed the sentiment.
“Although you are still in school, it is not too early to start thinking about what you would like to do when you grow up,” said Nelson. “The tourism industry offers many career opportunities.”
Participating schools were Chacha Junior High, Garapan Elementary, Hopwood Jr. High, Oleai Elementary, San Antonio Elementary, Kagman Elementary, Saipan Southern High, San Vicente Elementary, Koblerville Elementary, and W.S. Reyes Elementary.
Chamorro dance and a Chamorro legend were also presented during lunch.
MTEC is a non-profit organization aimed at educating the public on the tourism industry and its importance to the community.
Businesses who contributed to the MTEC Tourism Summit include DOCOMO Pacific, Hyatt Regency Saipan, Pacific Islands Club Saipan, Saipan World Resort, Fiesta Resort, Laolao Bay Golf Resort, Mariana Country Club, DFS Saipan, Aqua Resort, and Saipan Sunset Cruise. (MTEC)
