Tourism and the South Pacific Games
Tourism is alive and well and well in Samoa, and the SP Games have been such a success that many visitors here for the Games will return as tourists, according to Sonja Hunter, the General Manager of Samoa Tourism Authority.
The healthy state of tourism in this country was confirmed by Tauasili Anesi, the Samoa Hotel Association (SHA) Administrator and IT Coordinator. However, she says some of the hotels have not been as busy as anticipated.
“Generally, hotels and resorts around the country are a little under-occupied at the moment. The reason being that a few participating countries block booked hotel rooms for athletes and officials. But on arrival in Samoa, they found the athlete villages and official accommodations better than anticipated, and opted to stay there instead,” says Ms Anesi.
In addition, Maluofinao Shin Ete, Assistant General Manager for STA confirmed most tourists out at resorts around the country are returning to Apia to enjoy the Teuila Festival (a festival of cultural festivities) next week, from 10th – 12th September.
Other than the usual tourists, visitors will also be in the country next week attending conferences, or to engage in other activities. There will be a Pacific Medical Association Conference at Kitano Tusitala Hotel from 11 – 14 September. Medical students on medical practical course from Australia and the UK are also booked at the Tatiana Motels and Treasure Gardens Hotel for the next two months.
SPG 2007 has certainly been a huge experience for organisers and a learning curve for the tourism industry. Otherwise, tourism is generally right on track.
