Yorko Summer is Marianas Ocean Tourism Ambassador

Underwater photographer and television show host Yorko Summer has been named the 2018 Marianas Ocean Tourism Ambassador by the Marianas Visitors Authority during its general membership meeting at the Queens Club of Kensington Hotel Saipan last Thursday.

Summer, who was introduced to MVA members, government officials, and business leaders last Thursday, will promote diving sites and activities on the three islands of Saipan, Tinian, and Rota.

“Diving and underwater photography combined are my great passions and I would love to share what I experience and see when I go underwater in the waters of the Marianas,” Yorko said.

Yorko describes the diving experience here as world-class due to the untouched, unharmed, and natural underwater scenery and wildlife in the Marianas.

“This would entice underwater enthusiasts and ocean lovers,” he added.

Yorko’s passion for underwater photography started in 2002, leading him to host a television show in Taiwan, Underwater 30 Meters, that is broadcasted in Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, and mainland China.

The show follows Yorko and model Pei-yu “Patty” Lee as they explore underwater wonders.

“I first came to the Marianas in July last year and we filmed in the popular dive sites such as the Grotto, Managaha, Banzai Cliff, Lau Lau Beach, dive site Ice Cream, Naftan Beach, Obyan Beach, Spotlight and Tanapag Lagoon. Every place has a magic of its own,” he said.

“We also dove on Tinian and visited Taga Beach. I have heard a lot of great things about the diving experience on Rota so my next adventure will definitely be on Rota,” he added.

Yorko’s underwater adventures and photos appeal to thousands of people who follow him in all of his social media platform.

“He is well known in Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, and mainland China. His social media reach is outstanding, making him the rightful Ocean Tourism Ambassador for the Marianas,” said MVA managing director Chris Concepcion. “He is considered an effective ‘influencer’ in the social media scene.”

Yorko travels frequently in promoting dive tourism.

“I have worked with the Okinawa Tourism [and] Philippine Department of Tourism, and has been invited to many dive shows in China and Hong Kong. So when my show went here last year and explored the dive sites on Saipan and Tinian, it created a lot of interest because we were able to show the Marianas underwater scenes,” he said.

He will be in Singapore in April to give a talk at the Singapore Dive Expo, considered the biggest dive show in Asia. He also has speaking engagements in Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and China this year.

“As the Marianas Ocean Tourism Ambassador, I will use those opportunities to promote the Marianas,” he said.

Aside from diving, Yorko said the Marianas offers many adventure opportunities for ocean lovers like him.

“The Marianas is also an ideal place for snorkeling and water sports. …There a many possibilities in the Marianas and I cannot wait to promote each one of them,” he said. “When people ask me how I will invite people to come to the Marianas, I will simply say ‘Come to paradise, come to the Marianas; and it will be worth your while.”