Cleanup precedes Golden Week, Tourism Month
Thirty-five volunteers joined the Japan Saipan Travel Association in their semi-annual Tourism Industry Cleanup on April 23, Monday, in downtown Garapan, Saipan.
The cleanup was held in preparation for May Tourism Month and the Japan Golden Week holiday, when hundreds of extra visitors are expected. The cleanup began at 6:30am at the American Memorial Park and netted about 200 lbs of trash.
“We are very thankful for all who supported the event. It was a great success with the help of all the members,” said JSTA president Masanori Takahashi. “We hope to see more villages clean up in anticipation of the visitors we are expecting for Golden Week.”
Joining JSTA in the effort were members of Northern Marianas Diving Operators Association, Japanese Society of the Northern Mariana Islands, Hotel Association of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the Marianas Visitors Authority. For their beautification efforts, each volunteer received a 2012 edition of the MVA’s Tourism Month t-shirt.
Preparations for Tourism Month continued on April 26 with Lt. Gov. Eloy Inos’ official proclamation of the month at a signing ceremony at 1:30pm.
May will be highlighted by the 14th Annual Taste of the Marianas International Food Festival & Beer Garden every Saturday beginning May 5 at American Memorial Park from 6pm to 10pm. Other activities for the month include “Hafa Adai Tirow Spirit” Island Wear Fridays and Tourism Trivia at participating radio stations. [B][I](MVA)[/I][/B]