The Samoa Hotel Association (S.H.A.) has welcomed much needed assistance from the Government’s transitional budget allocation.

An allocation of $5,000,000 has been earmarked for the COVID-19 assistance to operators.

Finance Minister, Mulipola Anarosa Molio’o said on Tuesday that an appropriation has also been made to provide a one-off assistance for hoteliers who have been affected by the COVID-19 border lockdowns.

The $982 million transitional budget is for recovery, building resilience and shared prosperity for all the people of Samoa.

Speaking to the Samoa Observer, the president of S.H.ATupai Saleimoa Vaai said that this is such a big relief for them, “an indication of some form of assistance.”

“It is very welcoming for a lot of the operators, especially for the industry. It has been a long time since the [tourism] sector has been on the verge of collapse,” he said.

Latest data provided by the Samoa Tourism Authority as of 23 July, 2021 reveal that only 48 accommodation providers are fully operational, a total of 18 are partially opened while 52 are closed.

Tupai added that while they wait to see how the assistance will be rolled out, this is a good step forward for the sector.

“We are nearing two years since border closures, it is something like this [assistance] that has been sought after by the industry for a very long time.

“We are fortunate and thankful that the Government has tourism still in mind considering the long term effect that it has on various businesses. This is a very welcoming start in terms of trying to provide some relief and assistance to the sector.

“It is also an indication that the Government still holds tourism as one of its priorities especially in terms of the recovery for the sector.”

Tupai said that it is a feeling of appreciation and gratitude from the sector that, “finally we are getting tangible assistance coming directly to the operators.”

“A lot of assistance that was given out had to do with cost saving but not an actual relief directly to the operations of businesses so it is a welcoming announcement by the Government.

“We still don’t know yet how long the pandemic will continue and how long the shutdown will be, but we want to ensure the survival of the industry is guaranteed.

“Tourism is significant for the recovery of the economy.”

A beneficial scheme for those with disabilities is another new policy pushed through by the new administration. 

Pre-election promises to assist non-government organisations who provide services for elderly and projects to combat violence against women and children is also on the agenda.