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MVA eyes promoting the Northern Islands
Northern Islands Mayor Jerome Aldan recently brought up the idea of promoting the Northern Islands with Marianas Visitors Authority managing director Chris Concepcion in late September.
“The mayor of the Northern Islands paid us a courtesy visit a couple weeks ago to see how we could work together to promote the Northern Islands as an ecotourism destination. He stated he would submit some proposals to us so we could review his ideas and see if the MVA could assist,” said Concepcion.
Although nothing is confirmed as of now, the MVA has expressed interest in promoting the Northern Islands as an ecotourism destination.
“Nothing concrete has been approved but we like the idea of Pagan or one of the other Northern Islands being an eco-friendly destination for those looking for adventure,” said Concepcion.
Despite the lack of sufficient infrastructure, Concepcion sees the potential of the Northern Islands.
“There may be potential there but there is no existing infrastructure to support anything so that is a concern for us. We’ll wait to hear from Mayor Aldan on his proposals and we’ll present that to the MVA board for review,” he said.
Aldan appreciated the support of the MVA, and loves the thought of the Northern Islands being active in the tourism industry.
“Actually the MVA is very supportive, although right now its just a discussion that we are working on but they are very positive in trying to give help to the Northern Islands as far as marketing the tourism in the Northern Islands,” said Aldan.
Concepcion did not know of the proposal prior to being named the current MVA managing director, so Aldan had to resend the proposal, which sparked the MVA’s interest.
“We’ve been talking on improving the Northern Islands as a destination so that we can offer something different in the tourism market. They are very happy that I visited their office and we are working together collaboratively, because he wasn’t aware of my destination proposal prior to him taking office, so I submitted the same proposal again so they can understand where I’m coming from as far as eco-tourism is concerned,” said Aldan.
