SAIPAN — The Marianas Tourism Education Council, in partnership with the Marianas Visitors Authority, convened its Board of Directors Wednesday, August 26 to begin coordinating youth-focused tourism education activities for School Year 2026-2027, built around three core initiatives.
The council plans a MYWAVE Club Advisors Meeting, tentatively set for the late afternoon of September 30, to strengthen support for the clubs, whose name stands for Marianas Youth Welcome All Visitors Enthusiastically. A School Outreach Program begins in September in coordination with individual schools, delivering interactive presentations to 5th, 7th and 10th grade students on Marianas tourism trends, the MVA’s work, and how young people can support the industry. And the MTEC Tourism Summit will bring MYWAVE Club representatives from Saipan, Tinian and Rota together for a half-day of guest speakers and activities.
“Tourism is everybody’s business, especially our youth,” said MTEC Chair Vicky Benavente. “When students understand how tourism supports families, the economy, culture, and community programs, they see themselves as part of the Marianas’ future.”
MVA Acting Managing Director Judy C. Torres called the MTEC-MVA partnership a cornerstone of tourism education. “Our young people are the next generation of storytellers, innovators, and ambassadors for the Marianas,” Torres said.
The MTEC board also includes Vice Chairman Glenn Policare of Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan, Secretary Martin Duenas of MVA, Treasurer Larissa Larson, Dr. Galvin Deleon Guerrero of Northern Marianas College, Larry Lee, Catherine Perry of Integrity Communications, Naomi Nishimura of the Public School System, Gordon Marciano of PDI, and Dr. Yunzi Zhang of Northern Marianas College.
