As the Pacific begins reopening its borders to international tourism and travel, preparations within these island nations have begun, ensuring accommodation businesses, inbound tour operators, restaurants, and staff training programmes are in line with the country’s health and safety protocols.

With August just around the corner, Samoa prepares to reopen its borders to international travel and tourism. Samoa Tourism Authority teamed up with the industry to implement the following initiatives.

Industry Site Visits

In preparation for border reopening, accessing updated information from the tourism industry and communicating these to the markets is paramount. A joint site visit by the Samoan Tourism Authority (STA), Samoa Hotel and Hospitality Association, Savaii Samoa Tourism Association and Aleipata Tourism Association was undertaken to confirm the status of tourism businesses and affirm fully opened businesses. Information collected have been used to inform marketing and product development programmes.

National Tourism Accommodation Standards Program

Inspections continue to be carried out to identify key priority areas of improvement for the accommodation sector to ensure the overall safety and readiness of the properties prior to the reopening of the border.

These inspections were conducted by the tourism accommodation standards technical committee.

Committee members consisted of Samoa Fire and Emergency Services, Ministry of Health (Public Vector & Food and Safety), Ministry of Works, Transport and Infrastructure (Building & Planning and Urban Management Agency), Samoa Water Authority, Electric Power Corporation, Industry Representatives/Associations and the Samoa Tourism Authority.

Tourism Employment Survey

An employment survey was carried out across the island to update and verify the following:

• The number of people directly employed within the tourism industry,
• Identify trends in sector employment,
• Identify levels of staff turnover and retention, and
• Establish the impacts of the measles and Covid-19 pandemic as well as the Recognised Seasonal Employer program on employment within the sector.

National Beautification Campaign:

A nationwide beautification campaign has commenced throughout the island. This beautification initiative involves all villages in Samoa with prize money to be won. The first inspection is scheduled for mid-July with the second planned for late August.

Industry Training Plan

In alignment with the current needs of the industry, the Samoan Tourism Authority has revised its industry training plan following consultation with key stakeholders.

On-the-job training and refresher courses targeting existing and upskilling new employees are prioritized. The new plan has identified the following key training needs:

• Professional Housekeeping;
• Customer Service;
• Culinary;
• Hospitality (F&B Cocktail Mixing, table setting, Waitressing, Barista); and
• Digital Learning.

This project aims to lift the standard and readiness of the industry in responding effectively to the changing market trends.

Source: Samoa Tourism Authority

Photo Credit: SPTO Image Gallery