New Gift Option Offered for Visitors

For visitors seeking a new way to give Mackinac-themed gifts, the Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau is offering a GiftCard through MasterCard.

"We really needed some sort of gift certificate that would work for the entire Island," said Mary Maguire Slevin, director of the Tourism Bureau. She said that this new card, which has the Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau logo on it, is a good way for visitors and residents to give a souvenir of the Island that is also flexible.

The card is essentially a prepaid credit card and is redeemable at any location that

accepts MasterCard. Ms. Slevin said guests can use the cards to pay for everything from ferry tickets to hotel rooms to souvenirs, and its credit is not restricted to Mackinac Island.

The Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau is the first nonbank entity to use the pre-paid MasterCard. The Bureau charges a $7.50 processing fee.

The Mackinac Island Gift Card is available in amounts from $25 to $500, and may be purchased in person at the Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau or by phone at 877-8470086. Each card comes with a visitors guide.