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MVA thanks Tasi Tours for Managaha stewardship
As Tasi Tours prepares to end its 30-year concession operation of Managaha Island in the Marianas, the Marianas Visitors Authority thanked the company for its stewardship of the iconic islet.
Tasi Tours was selected by the CNMI government as master concessionaire of Managaha in 1989. Since then, the company has built environmentally appropriate tourism facilities on the island and made other improvements to help improve the safety and satisfaction of the millions of tourists who have visited the island.
“Over the last three decades, Tasi Tours has worked with the local government and community to grow Managaha from a weekend picnic spot for locals to that and much more. …Managaha is the most iconic place in the Marianas for visitors,” said MVA managing director Priscilla M. Iakopo. “For example, under their care Managaha has won the No. 1 Readers’ Choice Award for Best Beach and Snorkeling for over consecutive 10 years at Dive and Travel Awards of the Marine Diving Fair in Japan, where the MVA promotes the Marianas each year. Tasi’s service at Managaha sets the example for how our beautiful destination should be cared for, and we thank them.”
In addition to its white sand beaches, the tiny island boasts a wide number of environmental, cultural, and historic attractions. Tasi Tours has supported the protection of the islet’s fragile ecology, where several species of sea bird nest. During their tenure the island was also declared a marine conservation area. The island is the final resting place of Chief Aghurubw, who helped the indigenous Carolinian people first settle in the Marianas. World War II historic fortifications can still be explored on the island.
In MVA’s most recent exit survey of visitors, approximately 80% of those surveyed had visited Managaha, making it the most popular tour among tourists.
Tasi Tours concession agreement will end on Aug. 31, 2020. (MVA)
