Savai’i Tourism industry fighting to survive

By Talaia Mika

SAVAII ISLAND – 13 FEBRUARY 2022: Two years on with the Covid-19 pandemic border closures, the Savaii tourism industry continues to struggle with a drastic downturn in the tourist market.

Since March 2020, seventy (70) per cent of the employees had been reduced and several tourism businesses like hotels and Beach Fales have been closed.

The Vice President of the Savaii Samoa Tourism Association (SSTA), Tupai Saleimoa Vaai said the Savaii tourism businesses are trying their best to survive but an extreme downturn remains undeniable.

“The spirit for us in the meantime is to try and upkeep our businesses as far as we possibly can because we’ve invested so much money in the business but we have been heavily impacted by the closing of borders due to the Covid-19,” he said.

“It’s been two years already so it’s been really difficult and a huge challenge trying to upkeep and maintain the facilities.”

Tourism Stimulus Package
Last December, the Government paid out a $5million Tourism Stimulus Assistance Package and shared across 209 businesses including accommodation providers, tour operators and travel agents to assist with their businesses.

According to Tupa’i, the grant divided towards the hotels and resorts from this grant was not enough to maintain the facilities and restore the businesses to pre Covid-19 levels.

Vice President of the Savaii Samoa Tourism Association (SSTA), Tupai Saleimoa Vaai.

Owner and operators of the Vaimoana Resort at Asau, Tupa’i said the grant only assisted the resort with some maintenance of their facilities.

For other resorts and Beach Fales, they used their share of the grant to pay arrears in loans and NPF repayments.

Tupa’i added that the only hope for the tourism industry is to reopen the borders so tourists can come back in.

But he understands the priority keep the country safe from the virus.

“That’s why we’re also cooperating and trying our best to assist in any way we can with the vaccination process,” he said.

Since the pandemic, the tourism industry had been working with the Samoa Tourism Authority – STA, to develop special packages and promotions targeting the locals.

Tupa’i is urging the locals to take a break in Savai’i and explore the island and its scenic and cultural spots not only for relaxation but to take advantage of the affordable prices on offer to help rejuvenate the industry under the current economic climate.