Hotels in Savai'i are not resting on their laurels in the face of the challenges and closures imposed by the coronavirus pandemic lockdown.

At Amoa Resort for instance, a White Night Dinner event was staged last week to offer one more reason to travellers from Upolu to visit the big island and spend their money there.

The event feature Upolu based band, Poly Flavour, Savai'i's Golden Girl, Emme Eteru, and others.

Manager of Amoa Resort, Elisabeth Siaosi, said the event was initially put on by the resort as a way to boost tourism in Savai'i on a popular travel weekend. 

"This year White Sunday also coincided with the Palolo Rising giving Savai'i's hotels a unique opportunity to put on events on during the course of the week," Mrs. Siaosi told the Samoa Observer. 

"On that account alone the night was a big success with many families in attendance visiting from Upolu as tourists and also local Savaiians who came out for the night to celebrate with us.  

"The theme was White which adding a touch of glamour and the guests dined and danced over a delicious buffet menu prepared by the Amoa Kitchen.

"The year that’s been has seen many challenges come our way in terms of borders closed and changes to the way we operate especially during S.O.E. but we are very grateful that these sponsors came to our support and make the night a success.

"Poly Flavour rocked the fale with popular hits covering Rock, Motown and Samoan favorites. The audience was also treated to a performance of original song Beautiful Samoa by by Poly Flavour vocalist Ben Petana.

"Guest singer Emme Eteru also wowed the room with her soulful Samoan hits accompanied by the legendary Tooala Eteru.  Hailing from our very own village of Faga it was an honor and privilege to have the Eteru family part of the night's program."

The show was live-streamed, for those unable to attend in person.

"Highlights of the event were made Live by Samoa Tourism Facebook and Instagram pages, making our event global and participation by viewers from all over the world possible," added Mrs. Siaosi.  

"It was great to see the comments and well wishes from as far as Alaska being made on the Live.

"Samoa Tourism Authority did a great job reassuring the overseas viewers that Samoa is Covid Free and we all look forward to welcoming our guests back once it’s safely possible to do so. 

"Vodafone too surprised all our guest with free WiFi on the night which meant our event could be shared and enjoyed among those in attendance."

Mrs. Siaosi took the opportunity to acknowledge and thank all those who supported them in making Amoa White Night a success. 

Looking ahead, Mrs. Siaosi said they will continue to come up with events not only to promote their resort but also to give our community an opportunity to relax and enjoy Savai'i's hospitality. 

"Once the borders open we know there are many people out there who can’t wait to see Samoa and explore the beauty which has for the moment put on hold due to covid.

"Our local community and local tourists have been a wealth of support to date and exploring our own back yard for many has been an eye opener.  

"We often here our visitors say it’s been many years since they took a trip to Savaii but will come much more often now they realize its beauty and the facilities we offer.

"Flights to Savaii from Upolu commenced the same weekend and some of our guests flew in and out commenting how fast it was, only a 10 min trip each way."