MVA to relocate headquarters to Mariana Lighthouse

The Marianas Visitors Authority will relocate its headquarters to the Mariana Lighthouse property atop Navy Hill and establish a visitor center there after receiving the site from the Commonwealth government, acting managing director Judy C. Torres excitedly announced.

The move will allow MVA to leave its current leased office space at Gold Beach Hotel and operate from a public property that officials say will showcase the CNMI's culture while reducing operational costs.

said the lighthouse property will serve both as MVA's administrative headquarters and a visitor center.

"It serves two functions, the operations of the MVA office and a visitor center," Torres said during MVA’s special board meeting last June 11 at its soon-to-be-vacated office along Beach Road.

The CNMI’s tourism body has been given six months to move into the property.

According to Torres, the property sustained some typhoon-related damage, but the main structure remains intact. MVA will need to conduct cleanup work and reconfigure the facility before relocating.

"There are some structural damages from the typhoon, but not the main building," she said.

The visitor center is expected to highlight local arts and culture while providing visitors with a more immersive experience.

"We will be having a visitor center where we will be inviting artists to display their arts and crafts," Torres said.

She said the project aligns with MVA's tourism branding efforts and emphasis on cultural experiences.

"This will be a start to promote our culture," Torres said.

During the board meeting, MVA secretary Joe C. Guerrero confirmed that the Department of Public Lands had transferred the property to the tourism agency with support from Gov. David M. Apatang's administration.

"Department of Public Lands at the direction of and support of Gov. Apatang and his administration has asked DPL to deed the property to the Marianas Visitors Authority for our use for our office and also our planned use for a visitor's center for all of the Marianas," Guerrero said.

Torres said one of the advantages of the move is that MVA will no longer have to pay rent for office space.

"It's going to be free. So we're able to save some money or use it for other use to promote our destination," she said.

She added that the lighthouse location offers panoramic views of the island and ocean and provides an opportunity to create a destination where visitors can interact with the local community and learn more about the Marianas culture.

MVA officials have not announced a specific relocation date, but indicated the move will occur after inspections, cleanup, and interior modifications are completed.