By Samantha Iyar
The 680 Night Market is a lively bi-weekly event hosted by the Palau Visitors Authority at the Airai side of the KB Bridge.
This gathering serves as a platform for young Palauans to showcase their singing and dancing talents, while local vendors showcase their traditional foods and crafts, inviting tourists and visitors to engage with the local community.
This event not only bolsters local businesses but also fosters a deeper connection between tourists and Palauan culture.
As Chamber of Commerce President Vivien Ngirarsaol Protine remarked, “We need to encourage our young people to find their passion and turn that into a business.”
Night market attendees can enjoy live music and dance performances that highlight the rich cultural heritage of Palau, creating an engaging atmosphere for both locals and visitors alike.
The 680 Night Market is more than just a celebration of Palauan culture; it is a testament to the resilience and unity of the Palauan community.
Director of the Palau Visitors Authority Kadoi Ruluked emphasized the potential for entrepreneurship in Palau, stating, “Palau is one of the best places to become a young entrepreneur, and there are a lot of social media channels that you can use to get yourself out there.”
Discussion about the 680 Night Market was featured during a panel of tourism officials held September 10 as part of a media workshop at Palau Community College. A key point brought out by tourism officials was the need to attract more Palauans to return home to participate in the tourism industry.
However, events like the 680 Night Market provide an exciting platform for empowering local talent and fostering entrepreneurship.
Samantha Iyar is a reporter for Island Times, a newspaper published twice-weekly in Palau.