Hygiene is essential in the tourism industry, and the staff of Seabreeze Resort in the South coast of Upolu know this well. 

Owner Chris Booth spoke highly of the dedication and hard work of his 35 local staff members that contributed to their recognition at the Samoa Tourism Excellence Awards last Friday. 

Seabreeze Resort scooped the Best Deluxe Accommodation, making it three years in a row, and for the first time Best Hygiene Award. 

“As the owner, the win shows the dedication and the hard of the boys and girls who work at the resort,” Mr. Booth told the Samoa Observer. 

“It’s not easy to have hygiene in the Pacific to fully live up to the standards of what the guests and industry wants, but at Seabreeze we always try to maintain the best hygiene.

“We didn’t know we were getting the award for Best Hygiene or how the nominations were done, but whenever and whoever it was, they must have been happy with the service provided by the resort.” 

Mr. Booth said the key to their success is treating their guests equally and important. 

“My wife, Wendy, and I are pretty tough on the staff on providing high standards for the guests, we expect one, we demand one from the staff and we provide the best,” he said. 

What makes Seabreeze different from other hotels is that it specializes in romance and caters to the wants and desires of adults. 

“Our accommodation is only for people above the age of 18. It’s just business and you have to know your market,” Mr. Booth said. 

Occupancy rate at the resort, he added, varies over the years, and for them they record an annual occupancy rate of 80 percent. 

“I’m so proud of the boys and girls who work here and make it successful, the staff, the village at Aufaga, the Samoa Tourism is promoting the industry, the Government in developing and assisting tourism operators. 

“One thing about Seabreeze is how beautiful it is, surrounded by nature. A lot of people who come here admire the location and tell us they prefer it because it is not commercialized.” 

 Mr. Booth said they have plans for expansion, but as for now they are comfortable with what they have and how they operate and serve their guests. 

“We ensure that our resort is kept clean and to the required standard to serve those who visit our country.” 

Seabreeze was also the only resort to win two awards.