Hotels Association returns to Chamber Commerce after four years

By Sapeer Mayron 28 March 2019, 12:00AM

The Samoa Hotels Association is “back in the fold” with the wider private sector organization following this year’s Chamber of Commerce annual general meeting.

The SHA left the Chamber of Commerce four years ago, but president Tupai Saleimoa Vaai wants to strengthen the private sector, which means coming back and working together.

Tupai said industry plans by Government will only make Samoa more beautiful and it needs the “engine of the economy” to be organized and supporting each other.

“The relationship between the Samoa Hotel Association and Chamber of Commerce is one to be nourished and strengthened,” Tupai said.

“We’re looking forward to good things from a more strengthened private sector.”

SHA has also been boosted lately by the merging of Samoa For Real, the organization for tourism businesses. Tupai said with the return of SHA to Chamber, the Samoa for Real leadership has decided to back SHA to represent tourism on the Chamber.

“We’re grateful to Samoa for Real for seeing our vision and reaching out to consolidate, not only in our industry but across private sector organizations.

“We really appreciate the gesture that they have faith in what SHA is doing.”

Tupai said there were many of the same members across the two organizations, so merging was a natural thing to do.

Since his arrival to the tourism recently, the members of Samoa for Real were a support to him, he added.

“I’m still a baby in tourism,” Tupai said.

Lemauga Hobart Vaai, chief executive officer for the Chamber of Commerce said having SHA back is great for the private sector.

“We’re excited to have them back,” he said, and commended Samoa for Real for supporting SHA.

“That takes a lot of courage. Normally we have so many fragmented organizations, but to say ‘we’re going to support you,’ that takes a lot of courage.”

By Sapeer Mayron 28 March 2019, 12:00AM

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