16 Dec 2016

American Samoa Governor wants tourism review

11:55 am on 16 December 2016

American Samoa's Governor has called on the territory's Visitors Bureau to undertake a new review of its long-term tourism development plan.

Ofu and Olosega in the Manu'as in American Samoa.

Ofu and Olosega in the Manu'as in American Samoa. Photo: American Samoa Tourism

Lolo Matalasi Moliga reportedly wants the review to incorporate a focus on local development and attractions.

The current America Samoa Tourism Master Plan was completed, with US Interior Department funding, more than 6 years ago.

Lolo said the Visitors Bureau needed to conduct another review as his administration prepared to start a new four-year term in two weeks time.

He said there was a need to improve local development before American Samoa could even go out, market and spend a lot of money.

In August, the head of the bureau said that securing adequate transportation and funding remained the key challenges for American Samoa's tourism industry.

David Vaeafe said however that from a very small inventory of tourism products and accommodation capacity in 2010, the territory had expanded significantly.

Cruise ship visits have also grown from six-a-year seven years ago to 20 visits this year.

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