TAIWAN INTERNATIONAL TOURISM EXPO INCLUDES THE MARIANAS
Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands (NMI) – Taiwan’s travel and consumer fair Taiwan International Tourism Expo (TITE) 2024 included The Marianas over three days of exhibition in Taipei this month.
TITE gathers national and state tourism offices from all over the world, airlines, travel agents, tour operators, hotels, and other tourism stakeholders to promote their products to the Taiwanese market. The expo is organized by the Taipei Association of Travel Agents and Top Link International Exhibition Co., Ltd. This year’s expo – held on Aug. 16-19 - attracted 217,007 attendees.
“Taiwan International Tourism Expo in an opportunity to share about The Marianas with Taiwanese looking for overseas travel,” said Marianas Visitors Authority (MVA) Managing Director Christopher A. Concepcion. “Most of them are FITs, motivated by the opportunity to visit relatives or friends, by curiosity, by the wish to experience the way of life in a different place, and to relax. We thank our partners at Skydive Saipan and CENTOURS for joining our booth to promote The Marianas”
The MVA conducted trivia games and other engaging activities at its booth, testing people’s knowledge of Saipan, Tinian and Rota. Small giveaways were handed out to winners and participants to generate interest in and promote travel to The Marianas. The MVA promoted upcoming sporting events including the Hell of The Marianas, Rota Marathon and Saipan Marathon. Other annual events promoted included the upcoming Chief Taga Festival in Tinian and Bisita Luta Festival in Rota, both in October.
The MVA’s participation in TITE was covered by Taiwanese media, including TTN Media Group Corporation, Travel Rich Magazine, and others. The MVA also met with the Taiwan Tourism Administration, Taiwan Travel Quality Assurance Association, Travel Agent Association of Taiwan, Kaohsiung Association of Travel Agents, and the Tainan Association of Travel Agents.
Representatives of Skydive Saipan and CENTOURS present a small prize to a lucky trivia game winner at Taiwan International Tourism Expo 2024 on Aug. 16-19, 2024, in Taipei. The Marianas Visitors Authority participated in the expo along with the two tourism partners to promote tourism attractions in Saipan, Tinian, and Rota.
Marianas Visitors Authority Managing Director Christopher A. Concepcion shares about tourism attractions in The Marianas with attendees of Taiwan International Tourism Expo 2024 on Aug. 16-19, 2024, in Taipei.
1. Scuba Diving with Mantas - Uniquely, Yap is home to one of the few Manta Ray Sanctuaries in the world and is a place where you can consistently encounter these majestic creatures year-round. Dive into our clear waters as observe these gentle giants as they come into the lagoons each day to feed and to have their bodies cleaned by small fish at areas called cleaning stations. During mating season from December to April, they form a train-like chain as the males follow the females in a state of courtship. Beyond mantas you can do shark dives, witness the mandarin fish mating ceremony, and encounter green sea turtles, dolphins and even pilot whales.
2. VillageCultural Heritage Tour –A village tour is the ideal way to experience Yap’s traditional culture and heritageand to learn about the traditions of the Yapese people. View traditional men’s houses and ancient stone money discs unique to Yap, and the stone money banks where they are displayed. Participate in local ceremonies and dances andlearn traditional skills such as coconut rope making, basket weaving and traditional medicine usage. Learn about traditional navigation and the methods and skills of building the local canoes. Savour Yapese cuisine of delicacies made from taro, breadfruit, fresh seafood and tropical fruits. Make sure and try the local ceviche as well as tuba, the locally fermented alcohol made from coconut flowers.
3.Explore Yap’s Rich World War II History –Strategically located between the Philippines and Guam, Japanese-occupied Yap was targeted almost daily by American aircrafts from June of 1944 to August of 1945. This has resulted in several historical sites and wreckages on land and in the water that offer visitors a profound glimpse into the island's wartime past. Numerous historical marker signs dot the island identifying 15 accessible sites with plane wreckages, gun batteries, bunkers, tunnels and memorials to fallen soldiers.Pick up a copy of the special World War II brochure from the Yap Visitors Bureau.
4. Hiking and Walking –Hike the popular3.5-mile (5.5 km)Tamilyog Trail in the middle of the island that connects the village of Kanif on Yap’s West coast to the village of Dachangar over the hill. This hike is of moderate intensity and can be done in under 1 hour or you can spend may hours observing the plant life, many species of birds and lovely views of hills and the sea. You can also opt to doing shorter hikes/walks around the capital Colonia on ancient and unique stone walking paths. Here you will pass numerous stone money discs and even a stone bank, beautifully lined with lots of flowering plants, trees and other vegetation.An uphill trek along the road to the wind farm turbines overlooking Colonia is also a good hike, offeringstunning panoramic viewsof the capital, the bay and some World War II historical sites.
5.Rumung Island Tour –Tour the smallest and northernmost island that makes up Yap proper which hosts the largest stone money in all of Yap. A very scenic 15-minute boat ride from Colonia through the mangrove channel and some open sea gets you to Rumung where you will be greeted by an impressive men’s house. A very scenic walk on a centuries old stone path provides encounters with the three (3) largest stone money discs on Yap, stone money banks and a small Japanese WWII shrine. A beautifully designed and adorned community house is at the end of the walking part of the tour, where refreshing coconuts are served. This tour can also be expanded to offer swimming, snorkelling and a picnic lunch on a nearby beachbefore returning to Colonia.
Guampedia Lumuhu Newsletter 2023
PSA Marianas Tourism Cup on Sept. 2, 2023
PR Marianas Tourism Golf Classic on Sept. 2, 2023
Guam Airport Update
Chuuk State Tourism Newsletter
December 6,2022
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kevina Berngun, Manager, Sales & Marketing
Yap Visitors Bureau
Yvbmail.fm/[email protected]
691-350-2298/5005
Christmas Night Market and Santa Clause Coming to town
Yap Visitors Bureau is happy to announce the Christmas Night Market that will be held at the Yap Living history Museum starting on December 19th-23rd at 6pm. This Night Market presents; Local cuisines, local treats and better yet engage with the local people.
Oh oh oh! Santa Clause coming to Colonia town. On December 23rd at 7pm, Santa Clause will be visiting the Yap Living History Museum to spread joy and tons of treats. Have a wonderful and safe Holidays!
Yap Living History Museum
December 6,2022
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kevina Berngun, Manager, Sales & Marketing
Yap Visitors Bureau
Yvbmail.fm/[email protected]
691-350-2298/5005
Christmas in Yap
Because it's that time of the year where family, friends and communities gather to celebrate the Holidays, Yap Visitors Bureau will once again spark up the Yap History Museum, a central piece of bliss in Colonia town, for the island's holiday cheer. Leo's Crew, Bank of Guam-Yap Branch, FSM Development Bank-Yap Branch, Yap's Division of Public Safety, Mr. Yang Gang, schools, local vendors and private businesses and the communities help with decorations every year... This year, the FMI (Fishiries Maritime Institution) has volunteered to assist with the preparations and decorations. Lights will be turned on December 19th-23rd starting at 6pm. Because it's in Yap, Yap wishes everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Photo 1- Decoration in progress
Photo 2- FMI-COM Students decorators
#guamairport Monthly Newsletter FY22 Issue #13
The Airport is a diverse community with special people, places and events that make the Guam International Airport an exciting and unique place to work and travel. See our Top 3 picks of what you need to know, and get the latest news about Guam's only commercial airport!
Miss Marshall Islands Pageant 2022
The Miss Marshall Islands Pageant 2022 (MMIP 2022), which was scheduled to take place from September 24 to October 1, 2022, has been postponed due to the rapid spread of COVID in the month of August, which forced the closure of public facilities. Following a meeting between the MMIP core committee and the Marshall Islands Mayors Association (MIMA), it was determined that the pageant would be conducted in November (TBD exact dates). However, the MMIP 2022 core committee is currently contemplating whether to host the event this year or the following year due to scheduling conflicts with related partners and stakeholders.
Manit Day 2022
On September 30, 2022, the RMI will have its annual Manit (Custom) Day celebration. The purpose of this day is to honor the Marshallese culture and heritage. Manit Day has been declared a public holiday, and it was established to honor the nation's rich and diverse cultural history. It takes place during the annual week-long celebration of Marshallese culture, Lutok Kobban Alele. The week-long event will be held between September 26 and September 30, 2022. With the theme "Lale am Kotwa Bwe Loem Eo In"—this Marshallese phrase can only refer to "sailing." Loem is a location in the ocean that is known to be notorious for its hazardous sailing conditions due to the strong winds and currents. This theme simply translates to "Be careful how you navigate, as we are in dangerous waters."
The Manit week-long festivities have always felt like a spirit week. The Alele Museum encourages the public to do the following:
- ● Monday: Wear Marshallese clothes in the color of the Marshallese flag.
- ● Tuesday: Marshallese handicrafts.
- ● Wednesday: Marshallese local hats or head leis.
- ● Thursday: Cook Marshallese Local food.
- ● Friday: Lutak Kobban Alele Virtual Program. This is where the Alele Museum showcases and educates us of marshallese proverbs, words, legends, traditions, etc. It has also been made a public holiday.
Before the pandemic struck the RMI, typically at the end of the week-long celebration, Manit Day was celebrated with singing and dancing performances, colorful parades, sports games, traditional canoe races, craft fairs, food booths, basket weaving and coconut husking competitions, and other festive events and activities This year will be marked as the first Manit Day event that will be done virtually, as we restrict the spread of the pandemic.
In addition to the flyer, here are some of the activities done in previous Manit Day events (pre-COLVID). Photo credit goes to Chewy Lin.
RMI BORDERS FINALLY REOPENED:
On September 8, 2022, the RMI decided to reopen their borders. The Office of Commerce, Investment, and Tourism (OCIT)-Tourism Unit welcomed the incoming passengers with leis and music performed by the new local artists in town, the sixteen strings. There were a total of 29 incoming passengers, most of whom were returning residents. They are happy to be back home, enjoying a warm Pacific greeting from OCIT and sixteen strings. Incoming passengers will book tickets through United Airlines rather than register with the National Disaster Committee (NDC), but vaccination cards are still required. As for domestic travel in the RMI, it is still restricted, only servicing the neighboring islands that have been affected by the pandemic.
For the seven (7) other neighboring islands that haven’t been affected by the pandemic, the RMI Ministry of Health and Human Service (MoHHS) personnel have set up testing and vaccination sites at their respective atolls. However, once they are affected by the pandemic, the testing and vaccination sites will no longer be in operation.
With the pandemic in the RMI, the general public has been socially responsible. They have been urged to wear masks, sanitize their hands, disinfect surfaces, and keep a social distance. Today, wearing masks has started to become the new norm for the RMI.
#guamairport Monthly Newsletter FY22 Issue #11
The Airport is a diverse community with special people, places and events that make the Guam International Airport an exciting and unique place to work and travel. See our Top 3 picks of what you need to know, and get the latest news about Guam's only commercial airport!
Click here to read Volume FY22 Issue: 11
Day 1: Opening Ceremony
Day 1: Pohnpei Day
Day 2: Yap Day
Day 3: Kosrae Day
Day 4: Chuuk Day
Day 5: Closing Ceremony and Music Expo
Highlights
Event: Micronesia Expo
Dates: June 27, 28, 29, 30 & July 1, 2022
We will be showcasing cultural performances, musical festivals, exhibitions of various products, produces, local cuisine demonstrations, tasting and many more as part of the 1st Micronesia EXPO 2022, in Pohnpei this SUMMER!
We welcome you to this 2022 Micronesia EXPO!
Contact our Tourism Office for details @ [email protected]
News Release
#guamairport Monthly Newsletter FY22 Issue #8
What makes the Airport a community? It is the special people, the different facilities and activities that make the Guam International Airport a great place to work and travel. See our Top 3 picks of what you need to know, and get the latest news about YOUR Airport!
Click here to read Volume FY22 Issue: 8
Event: Save The Date
Event: Fish ‘n Fins 12th Annual WREXPEDITION Palau
Dates: June 04-11, 2022
Title: 23rd TASTE OF THE MARIANAS INT’L FOOD FESTIVAL IN JUNE 2022
Event Date: June 17, 2022
Title: "Saipan Half Marathon 2022"
Event Date: April 9, 2022
Event Name: The 7th Our Ocean Conference
Event Dates: April 13-14, 2022
Great News! We have learned that UNITED AIRLINES will start flying once a week Manila - Palau - Manila - book a flight on united.com and get yourself one of a BEST PRICE HOTEL/DIVE PACKAGES - book it online www.fishnfins.com/index.php/booking - SEE YOU IN PALAU
Hafa Adai,
United is pleased to announce in support of Palau's Our Ocean Conference scheduled for April 13-14, additional flights will operate between Guam and Palau April 10-18.
In addition, United will resume a 1x weekly flight between Guam - Palau - Manila beginning April 1, 2022.
Please see attached Palau Schedule - April 2022 for details, you can visit www.united.com or the United app for up to date flight information.
#guamairport Monthly Newsletter FY22 Issue #5
What makes the Airport a community? It is the special people, the different facilities and activities that make the Guam International Airport a great place to work and travel. See our Top 3 picks of what you need to know, and get the latest news about YOUR Airport!
Click here to read Volume FY21 Issue: 5
Webinar | PATA Destination Insight Series featuring Micronesia - presented by PATA & BBC — Pacific Asia Travel Association
Airport Deputy Obtains International Airport Professional (IAP) and Certified Public Procurement Officer (CPPO) Designations
The A.B. Won Pat International Airport Authority, Guam (GIAA) is proud to announce its management achievements that will continue to equip the agency with quality leadership—during the most turbulent time in global aviation as well as the Guam Airport’s history. Airport Deputy Executive Manager—Artemio “Ricky” Hernandez, Ph.D.—has earned highly distinguished accreditation and credentials in airport management and public procurement.
Dr. Hernandez recently completed the Airport Management Professional Accreditation Program (AMPAP) co-owned and accredited by the Airports Council International (ACI) and International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and earned the International Airport Professional (IAP) designation. Designed to improve the performance of airports, the IAP designation is awarded to candidates who have successfully completed rigorous professional curriculum and training in airport commercial and financial management, airport planning, development, and environmental management, and airport operations, safety, and security in the global air transport system.
In addition to receiving the IAP designation, Dr. Hernandez recently earned the highly regarded Certified Public Procurement Officer (CPPO) credential from the Universal Public Procurement Certification Council (UPPCC), an independent entity that administers certification programs among procurement professionals for federal, state, and local governments. The CPPO is widely recognized as the premier, independent certification in public procurement and requires a high standard in education and experience and passing of the CPPO examination. In receiving the CPPO certification Dr. Hernandez was celebrated as the very first CPPO from the island of Guam by the UPPCC and joins over 3,000 CPPOs from throughout 8 countries, 10 provinces and territories in Canada, and 52 states and territories of the United States.
"We are extremely proud of Dr. Hernandez on the distinction GIAA has received through his recent accreditation and credentials and look forward to his continued service at the airport and for the people of Guam,” stated John “JQ” Quinata, GIAA Executive Manager.
Detailed information and requirements for the IAP and the CPPO designations can be accessed at https://iap.aero/ and https://uppcc.org/ , respectively.
Click here to read more on other news.
GIAA Celebrates Airport Week 2022 by Thanking Partners and Recognizing Employees
Celebrating its 46th Anniversary as an autonomous government agency on the 21st of January, the A.B. Won Pat International Airport Authority, Guam (GIAA) commenced its annual commemorative week with the Honorable Governor Lourdes Leon Guerrero and the Honorable Lt. Governor Joshua Tenorio proclaiming Airport Week 2022 and the ribbon cutting ceremony of the new International Arrivals Corridor. The week-long celebration concluded with GIAA’s Tenant Appreciation and Employee Recognition Program held on Friday, January 28, 2022.
Video messages from airport partners were showcased in a video presentation with Acting Governor Joshua Tenorio, and Senator Amanda Shelton, Oversight Chair for the Committee on Transportation, acknowledging the strong support and partnership of all those who do business at and with the airport.
GIAA Executive Manager John “JQ” M. Quinata added that, “Through the ability of our airlines and tenant partners, we were able to adapt and manage in these unprecedented times. Guam, its people, and, most importantly, the movement of passengers and goods would have been severely impacted. Our collaboration was key in keeping up with the ever-changing demands and health requirements put upon the air travel industry.”
"GIAA also recognized 46 employees who continue to dedicate themselves to the Airport Authority for incremental periods of 5-years (5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 & 40 years of service). The highlight of the recognition program was the superlative awards recognizing exemplary employees for their service, in the following categories:
- Spirit Award – Keoni Garrido, Fire Fighter I (Aircraft Rescue & Fire Fighting Division)
- Integrity Award – Stacy Quintanilla, Clerk III (Administration Division
- Employee of the Year Award – Jenielle Meno, Administrative Assistant (Administration Division– Procurement Section)
- Supervisor of the Year Award – Lt. Kenneth Quenga, Airport Police Supervisor (Airport Police Division)
- Manager of the Year Award – Raymond Quintanilla, Superintendent of Airport Operations Airport Operations Division)
- Division of the Year Award – Administration Division led by Airport Services Manager, Jean M. Arriola
- Executive Manager’s Award – was awarded to an individual and a division
- Jessica Fujikawa, Clerk III (Properties & Facilities Division)
- Airport Police Division led by Airport Police Chief Vincent M. Naputi
Guampedia May Newsletter, Volume IV, Issue V
Guam Timetable for June 2021
Click Here to View the Timetable
Please note that flights are subject to change. You can visit http://www.united.com or the United App for up to date flight information.
PATA MICRONESIA CHAPTER NEWSLETTER APRIL
