The Taumeasina Island Resort General Manager has described as “cruel and insensitive” a Samoa Observer editorial last week, which was critical of the Government’s 2040 Plan that mainly revolved around the revival of the tourism sector.

Tuiataga Nathan Bucknall, in a post on his Facebook page on Saturday, said it was unfair for the newspaper’s Editorial Board to pick on the local tourism industry when the cause of their collapse was the COVID-19 global pandemic.

"To refer to the tourism sector as a 'dead horse' at this time is insensitive and cruel of the editorial board. Tourism sector is not a dead horse, it is a wounded horse!!” reads his social media post.

“And the horse is wounded through no fault of our own, around the world!”

Expressing confidence that the tourism sector in Samoa will soon be back on its feet, Tuiataga said the pandemic has had an impact globally as well as in Samoa.

"Tourism will rise again, like our counterparts internationally. Operators, most of whom are Samoan families, are trying their best to survive and get through week to week. 

“Despite this, there are still around 1,000 Samoans still employed in tourism and 1,500 undergoing training at various institutions including N.U.S. and A.P.T.C.”

Turning again to the editorial, Tuiataga said it was “shameful and taste” given the circumstances that the local tourism industry is currently facing.

"To express an opinion such as this regardless of political intent, is just plain shameful and tasteless, given the circumstances that the industry is currently facing."

Samoa Tourism Authority also released a statement last Saturday evening expressing disappointment with the editorial.

"To refer to tourism as a ‘dead-horse’ is both incorrect and demeaning. Many remain employed in the Industry and domestic tourism initiatives continue,” stated the S.T.A. statement.

“Combined, these support  the livelihood of many. Samoa is not alone in its experience.

"The downturn caused by the pandemic has had a significant impact on tourism around the region and around the globe. 

“Tourism is resilient and will continue to be a key pillar of Samoa’s economy and the  concerted efforts of Stakeholders to rebuild will facilitate its recovery and future growth."