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Rota students walk the tourism talk with MTEC
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- On Nov. 17, 2017, Marianas Visitors Authority Community Projects specialist Demalyn Pagarao teaches fifth graders at Sinapalo Elementary about the duties and activities of the tourism office. (MVA)
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- Marianas Tourism Education Council board member Catherine Perry, rear left, and Marianas Visitors Authority Community Projects specialist Demalyn Pagarao, far right, teach fifth graders at Sinapalo Elementary about tourism backpacks during the MTEC presentation at the school on Nov. 17, 2017. (MVA)
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- Students of Dr. Rita H. Inos Junior & Senior High pose for a group photo at the Marianas Tourism Education Council’s presentation at the school on Nov. 17, 2017. (MVA)
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- MY WAVE club members and other students of Dr. Rita H. Inos Junior & Senior High prepare to perform at the awards banquet of the Rota Blue Triathlon on Nov. 18, 2017. (MVA)
The Marianas Tourism Education Council saw its annual school tourism educational outreach message “Tourism is Everybody’s Business” in action during a recent visit to Rota.
MTEC board member Catherine Perry and Marianas Visitors Authority Community Projects specialist Demalyn Pagarao spoke to students of Dr. Rita H. Inos Junior & Senior High on Nov. 17, 2017, and noted that several of the students were also supporting the Rota Blue Triathlon the following day.
Members of the school MY WAVE (Marianas Youth Welcome All Visitors Enthusiastically) Club, Tourism Class, and Junior Reserve Officer Training Corp. were on hand during the triathlon to cheer on participants, and some were part of the island dance group that entertained triathletes at the awards dinner that evening.
MTEC also presented to fifth graders at Sinapalo Elementary School, where students discussed what they feel makes Rota unique as a destination.
“Although tourism activity [on] Rota are lower than Saipan, the students [on] Rota already have a grasp of some key tourism fundamentals, especially hospitality,” said Perry. “Sinapalo Elementary has a huge sign in their cafeteria that reminds students about the value of helpfulness, which we encouraged them to extend to visitors by being friendly. In the junior/senior high, we challenged them to come up with a realistic consumer promotion for Rota, and they recommended for the municipality to subsidize some flights during summer vacation, targeting military families in Guam. It’s a strategic, achievable idea to help spur tourism in their island.”
MTEC is presenting to fifth, eighth, and tenth graders this year on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota in partnership with MVA. The presentations are also sponsored by the Hotel Association of the Northern Mariana Islands, Kanoa Resort, Fiesta Resort & Spa Saipan, Ernst & Young, Pacific Islands Club Saipan, and T Galleria.
Schools interested in having an MTEC presentation may contact Pagarao at dpagarao@mymarianas.com or 664-3219. (MVA)
