P.M. tells Cabinet to bid for global meetings

By Joyetter Feagaimaali’i-Luamanu 05 August 2017, 12:00AM

Tourism is everyone’s responsibility. 

That’s the message from Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi to the country – especially Cabinet Ministers and senior government officials. 

He is encouraging Cabinet Ministers and Chief Executive Officers who travel overseas for meetings to always keep that in mind.

 “I always tell them that if they attend meetings and if there is an opportunity for Samoa to be the host country, seize the opportunity,” he said. 

“Make a bid to have these big meetings in Samoa. 

“This is the easiest way to bring tourists into our country and this is one method we need to utilise to bring in money for our economy.”

Tuilaepa made the comments during his weekly media programme.

“We don’t wait for Samoa’s turn to host meetings, we make it known to them that we can be a host country.” 

Tuilaepa referred to the Pacific Power Association’s 26th Annual Conference being held in Samoa this week.

It attracted close to 300 participants who have been using the hotels, restaurants, bars and buying small souvenirs, benefitting everyone.

During his speech at the official opening of the conference, Tuilaepa said this is  the second time Samoa hosted this conference. 

Tuilaepa said the meeting was to be held in Guam “but because they were not ready, Samoa came to the rescue. 

“And we are happy to host every year’s conference if you will allow us to do so,” he said.

Back to tourism, Tuialepa said one of the biggest complaints from the hotel operators in Samoa is that not enough tourists are being brought in.

However Tuilaepa pointed out that hotels like Sea Breeze in A’ufaga; Saletoga in Matatufu and Return to Paradise in Lefaga are always fully booked. 

“Why?” he asked. “Because their marketing teams are keen on the off island markers and that is why they have tourists all the time.... 

“They have substantial partnerships with off island marketing people who refer them to these hotels in Samoa.”

By Joyetter Feagaimaali’i-Luamanu 05 August 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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