GREAT BAY--A new community initiative is encouraging residents and visitors to spend more time in Philipsburg while supporting local businesses during the slower tourism season.
The inaugural Experience My Philipsburg Scavenger Hunt recently concluded, offering participants an interactive way to explore the town. Teams worked together to solve clues, visit participating businesses, shop and complete activities throughout Philipsburg.
The initiative was created to help generate customer traffic for businesses during a period when visitor numbers typically decline, while also providing participants with a social and engaging experience.
Registration was free and open to residents of St. Maarten and Saint Martin, as well as visitors. Participants could register individually or in several team categories, including Bestie, Family, Mommy & Me, Daddy & Me, Co-Worker, Church, Sports and Business teams.
The first event featured The Powerpuff Girls and Q-Queens, with both teams completing the scavenger hunt. Q-Queens emerged as the winning team and received US$300 and the official 2026 Experience My Philipsburg Scavenger Hunt Winner’s Award.
Each team consisted of three players, resulting in six participants visiting and shopping at participating businesses. Organizers said the team format is designed to increase customer traffic as participation grows in future editions.
The inaugural event was supported by Mamacita, Top Shop on Old Street and Universal Electronics Gifts & Bags.
Organizers expressed appreciation to the participating businesses for supporting the launch and helping to create a new activity focused on strengthening commercial activity in Philipsburg.
Interest has already been received from additional individuals, teams and businesses seeking to participate in future events. Planning is underway for the second Experience My Philipsburg Scavenger Hunt, expected to take place in August 2026.
Individuals and teams interested in participating can WhatsApp “PLAY” to +1 721-587-0673. Registration is free.
Businesses and brands interested in participating or exploring partnership opportunities may email sales.inmtvmedia@gmail.com with the subject line “Business Participation Application.”
The Experience My Philipsburg Scavenger Hunt is organized by INM Events & Experiences and powered by INMTV Media. The initiative was created to help address the effect of the slow season on Philipsburg businesses by turning shopping into an interactive community activity.
