The International Council of Tourism Partners (ICTP) announced today that the Northern Mariana Islands has become the newest destination member to their global tourism alliance.

Called “America’s best kept secret,” the Northern Mariana Islands are a lush tropical Micronesian paradise of 14 islands strung in the western Pacific. The islands offer a place of magnificent beaches and crystal clear aqua waters, rich history, year-round outdoor activities, world-class diving and golfing, international shopping, a wide range of ethnic restaurants, and a cacophony of international and indigenous cultures.

Juergen Thomas Steinmetz, Chairman of the International Council of Tourism Partners said: “The Northern Mariana Islands are a beautiful tropical US island chain on the doorstep of the Philippines, China, and Siberia. As a resident of Hawaii, I had the chance to visit our brothers in the east several times – and I’ m impressed about their tourism industry. We welcome the Northern Mariana Islands to the ICTP alliance.”

The Northern Marianas Islands offers the relaxing shores of magnificent beaches, as well as the lively bustle of night life, shopping, a wide range of ethnic restaurants, and a multitude of outdoor activities. The islands offer such activities as a sunset dinner cruise; guided mountain bike tour past World War II tanks, artifacts, and caves; ocean fishing; tennis; golfing; diving; and snorkeling.

Carol Dlg. Chargualaf, Special Assistant to the Managing Director of the Marianas Visitors Authority said: “The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands is made up of 3 main islands: Saipan, Tinian, and Rota. A calm easygoing atmosphere has our islands as a prime location in the Pacific for everyone to take pleasure in. You have a choice between an active lifestyle on Saipan, gaming on Tinian, or simply enjoying the natural surroundings in Rota. We are pleased to become a part of the International Council of Tourism Partners and hope that this new membership will help us to grow our industry and create more networking opportunities for us. The Marianas Visitors Authority is committed to green growth, as we try to operate in an environmentally-friendly way wherever we can.”