The American Samoan government is considering proposals from local and off-island companies for the development of an eco-tourism industry in the territory.
The government's plans for the industry incorporates village-based tourist destinations, promotion of tourist sites, bed and breakfast type operations and other small scale tourist related businesses.
The proposals from Samoa, Hawaii, New Zealand and two local companies have been studied and the territory's government has now asked for their best and final offers.
The Lt Governor, Togiola Tulafono, says the government supports the development of eco-tourism and bed and breakfast ventures as an environmentally safe and practical means of developing the local tourism industry.
