POND ISLAND, Sint Maarten – The Philipsburg Promotional Board (PPB) has developed a project themed ‘Christmas 2018 – Philipsburg Alive After Five’ which entails lighting up parts of Front Street, the area around the Court House, Cyrus Wathey Square, and the Boardwalk Promenade.
The objective of the Christmas lighting project according to PPB is to motivate residents and tourists to visit downtown Philipsburg and encourage afternoon shopping in stores, and dining in the restaurants.
The first phase of Christmas lighting project is to install some of the lights by December 1st. There are two other phases that should be completed early December.
“I applaud this initiative by PPB, and I appeal to the business community in Philipsburg to contribute to this as it will bring more people into town during the festive season which will have a spinoff for the various business establishments that operate within Philipsburg.
“You have a variety of eateries on the outskirts of town besides Casino’s and other local entertainment options. The more business activity that is generated the better for our businesses and the economy.
“Our visitors who will be on island for the festive season will also get the opportunity to experience the ‘Friendly Island’ festive spirit.
“A similar experience is being planned by the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau in collaboration with Port St. Maarten under the banner ‘Season Celebration’ which is to provide arriving cruise passengers entertainment.
“Every entity, organization or business with a stake in Philipsburg, has a responsibility to contribute to making ‘Christmas 2018 – Philipsburg Alive After Five’,” Minister of Tourism & Economic Affairs Stuart Johnson said on Monday.
