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Fate of Garapan Street Market to be decided this week
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Posted on Oct 30 2000
Due to continuous financial losses, the Marianas Visitors Authority will decide this week whether it will continue subsidizing the weekly Garapan Street Market until next year.
MVA Board Chair Dave M. Sablan said there is a need to review the support the tourism agency is providing to the street market since payment of vendors and concessionaires total $1,000 a week.
While the project has attracted regular following every Thursday, Mr. Sablan said they are also hoping that it will be financially independent after a certain period since MVA does not have enough resources to continue providing subsidy.
The street market was organized late last year by members of the private sector to revive the ailing tourism industry. MVA provided initial seed money for advertisement and hiring of entertainers.
Garapan, the island’s main tourist district, has seen a drastic decline in business activities as a result of the plunge in tourist arrivals. Except for the clubs and karaoke bars, a number of stores in the tourist area have already closed shop since last year.
The street market became a venue for farmers, fishermen and entrepreneurs to sell their products to tourists and residents. It was also meant to expand the current tourist market base the businesses currently enjoy.
Organizers of the Garapan Street Market have envisioned a market that is similar to those seen around the world — clean, safe, easy to set up and the area wide enough for people to walk along and view the items on display. (LFR)
