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Child-tourists to be given Saipan-da backpacks
The Marianas Visitors Authority has begun distributing vouchers for the 2017 Saipan-da backpacks to visiting children as part of its “Happy Children in Paradise” campaign. This is the 18th year the backpacks have been produced. (MVA)
One of the Marianas Visitors Authority’s longest standing promotional campaigns has returned to put smiles on the faces of visiting children.
On July 1, 2017, the “Happy Children in Paradise” began providing Saipan-da backpacks to all visiting children ages 12 and younger as a souvenir of their visit to the Marianas during the summer months. The MVA expects to give away approximately 16,000 of the 18th anniversary backpacks to happy kids this summer. The program also runs during Christmas time.
“Kids of all ages love the Saipanda character backpacks, and some collectors even make a special trip to the Marianas just to get one for their collection. Happy children usually means happy parents—parents who have a good image of the Marianas and are likely to return,” said MVA marketing manager Bruce Bateman.
The summer campaign will run through Sept. 30, 2017. Fifteen participating hotels will distribute coupons to qualified guests during the period. The coupons will be redeemable at the T-Galleria Saipan-da Corner, where a live action Saipan-da will greet guests and be available for picture taking.
Originated in 2000 as a promotional tool for the then predominant Japanese market, Saipan-da is now embraced by children of many countries visiting the Marianas. (MVA)
