(MVA) — Despite a downturn in CNMI tourism and no international flights expected during the holiday season this year, the Japan Saipan Travel Association and its tourism partners kept to their annual holiday tradition with a cleanup of the main tourist district of Garapan on Dec. 19, 2020.
Over 70 representatives of 22 local businesses and offices join the Japan Saipan Travel Association in their annual cleanup of downtown Garapan, on Dec. 19, 2020.
MVA photo
The number of participating companies and volunteers also grew this year, with 71 volunteers from 22 companies joining the effort. Beginning at 6:30 a.m. the volunteers, including many children, cleaned up along the roadside and the beach from American Memorial Park to the Carolinian Affairs Office.
Joining JSTA in the beautification effort were Japan Consul Kazuhiko Ono and his wife Masako, new Consul Tomoaki Yoshise, and other volunteers from the consulate. The event was also supported by the Marianas Visitors Authority, H.I.S Saipan Inc., Pacific Development Inc., Pacific Micronesia Tours, Tasi Tours & Transportation, Himawari Kenbukan, Avenue Restaurant & Hotel, Hyatt Regency Saipan, S2 Club, Saipan World Resort, Mei Dive 1968, Aqua Resort Club Saipan, Northern Marianas Dive Operators Association, Super Fish Diving, HM Wedding, Oleai Beach Bar & Grill, Makesure Diving, Kendo, Aqua Connections, and Himawari Restaurant.
The cleanup effort netted over 300 lbs. of trash compared to 200 lbs. collected in 2019.
Himawari Kenbukan joins the Japan Saipan Travel Association in their annual cleanup of downtown Garapan on Dec. 19, 2020.
MVA photo
