The Samoa Hotel Association says it is concerned by the size of a proposed new resort on Savaii island.
Developers of the Savaii Village Resort propose to build timeshare condominiums, a world-class golf course, luxury private homes, low-rise hotels, a recreational marina, cruise port, helipad and retail shopping facilities as well as a medical clinic, a new school and cultural centre.
It is being developed by the Hawaii-based South Pacific Development group which has agreed to lease 600 acres of customary lands in the village of Sasina.
The total cost of the project is estimated to be between 400 and 500 million US dollars.
The Chief Executive of the Samoa Hotel Association Ninette Sass says there has not been enough consultation over the project which many believe is too large for the island.
"It comes as a bit of a surprise and a bit of a shock all at the same time. On one hand it's good to have new development on the other hand the size of the development is of concern to us. We've been talking and discussing this issue of the size of hotels in Samoa for quite a long time now and it's a bit disappointing that on the one size there's a development inviting investments from overseas and it's not working hand in hand with the desire of the majority of the people here."
Ninette Sass says she is concerned over the impact the project will have on the environment and the infrastructure on the island.
