BY KATIE AZON
Journal Staff
CAPITOL HILL, Saipan – The Marianas Visitor’s Authority shared their conceptual vision for the expansion of the Japanese Lighthouse property in Navy Hill into a visitor and cultural experience center on June 29.
The Department of Public Lands awarded MVA to use the historic site for their administrative office and extend usage to develop a center where visitors can have the opportunity to learn about the island’s culture, participate in cultural demonstrations, and enjoy the scenery. The development of a visitor and cultural experience center, according to MVA Board Chairman Warren Villagomez, is a part of their efforts to overcome challenges of global competition and increasing airline costs by looking past awareness and focus on visitor engagement the moment they arrive.
“Our challenge is no longer simply getting people to know about the Marianas,” he said, according to a press release. “The challenge is giving them compelling reasons to choose the Marianas over countless destinations around the region and the world.” The MVA is encouraging local vendors and government agencies to partner with them to strengthen tourism and create new tourism experiences.
The property is currently being cleared by the MVA Community Projects Division and once completed will be followed by an office layout design, renovation, and repairs. Relocation to the site expected to be before December. mbj
Journal Staff
CAPITOL HILL, Saipan – The Marianas Visitor’s Authority shared their conceptual vision for the expansion of the Japanese Lighthouse property in Navy Hill into a visitor and cultural experience center on June 29.
The Department of Public Lands awarded MVA to use the historic site for their administrative office and extend usage to develop a center where visitors can have the opportunity to learn about the island’s culture, participate in cultural demonstrations, and enjoy the scenery. The development of a visitor and cultural experience center, according to MVA Board Chairman Warren Villagomez, is a part of their efforts to overcome challenges of global competition and increasing airline costs by looking past awareness and focus on visitor engagement the moment they arrive.
“Our challenge is no longer simply getting people to know about the Marianas,” he said, according to a press release. “The challenge is giving them compelling reasons to choose the Marianas over countless destinations around the region and the world.” The MVA is encouraging local vendors and government agencies to partner with them to strengthen tourism and create new tourism experiences.
The property is currently being cleared by the MVA Community Projects Division and once completed will be followed by an office layout design, renovation, and repairs. Relocation to the site expected to be before December. mbj
