A pioneer Savai’i tourism operator has called for more promotion of the big island’s cultural and natural heritage, saying there is a lot more Savai’i has to offer to Samoa and the world.

Longtime hotelier and owner of the Kuki’s by the Harbour Resort, Leota Matamua "Kuki" Retzlaff, said he supports recent publicity by the Samoa Observer that revealed the cultural and archeological significance of a number of historical sites in Savai’i.

A Samoa Tourism Authority (S.T.A.) Board Member since 1996, Leota has been a committed entrepreneur of tourism development in Savai'i for several years.

His knowledge of the island stems also from his upbringing as his parents were both business owners in Salelologa which is the location of his current resort.

"My father Tui and mother Masi owned a warehouse, wholesale supermarket as well as rental apartments and a motel here in Salelologa where I was also raised alongside my nine siblings," he said. 

Leota said Savai’i is a unique destination for visitors keen on visiting as there is a lot of history coupled with its natural and cultural heritage.

"I think Savai'i has been aching to tell stories through its natural and cultural heritage for years,” he said. “The island is unique and has not been written about enough to show what it really has for the tourists, educators and for us Samoans.”

Leota also a co-owner of the Le Lagoto Resort and Spa with his then wife, Sarah, the mother of their four children.

And being the youngest son of his parents' 10 children, Leota holds high Samoan values of family and community care in his business operations.

One of his daughters, Heidi and her husband Emosi Ah Ching, own the Harborside Cafe and Pizza Bar, which compliments the resort across the road from his resort. 

The longtime hotelier also talked about the work of 92-year-old retired Australian geologist Warren Joplin, who has been living in Samoa for over 40 years.

"Warren has conducted tours across the island for many years where he is accompanied by students and educators, or tourists," Leota said.

Leota also said that there are many important heritage sites in Savai’i and cultural norms that would be particular to each village and be of interest to visitors.

"The sea in Salelologa is quite unique to our area, we have a funny name for eaters of stale sea,” he said. “But it is a good product as many people from Upolu want it so we sell it or give it to them. 

“People in Upolu know the difference between their sea and ours but I do not because I only eat the Salelologa sea ever since I was a child.

Leota is also a proud father to four grown children and seven grandchildren.