Malemo Tausaga & Leilua Stevenson named to ASVB Board

youth-summit-lolo-moliga

The Board of the American Samoa Visitors Bureau is getting two new directors.

The governor this week appointed Deputy Secretary of Samoan Affairs Malemo Lafo Tausaga and owner of Don’t Drink the Water Restaurant Leilua Stevenson as directors.

Governor Lolo Moliga said to ensure that the business of the Visitor Bureau is not hampered by quorum deficiencies, the new members are deemed active members.

Members of the Board require confirmation by the House and Senate and Fono rejection automatically terminates membership.

The governor pointed out that other appointments to the Visitors Bureau Board will be made when membership categories are amended to reflect local conditions and availability of representative expertise required to advance the territory’s tourism development agenda.

The legislation which established the Visitors Bureau sets out the criteria for membership on the board.

One member shall be an employee of the Department of Commerce; another shall be from the Office of Samoan Affairs.

Two members shall be selected from the American Samoa Visitors Association (ASVA) from individuals who possess at least five years experience in the airline, travel agency, or hotel or lodging industries. The individuals selected under this subsection cannot be from the same industry, and not more than one may be selected from individuals residing outside of American Samoa;

One member shall possess at least five years experience in the cruise ship industry, and be employed with, or owns a cruise ship agency service. This member may be selected from individuals residing outside of American Samoa;

One member shall be selected from the American Samoa Chamber of Commerce and

One member shall be selected from the National Park Service of American Samoa.

Current members of the Board of the ASVB are Tuli Fruean-Hawaiian Air, Uili Leuanae-Department of Commerce and Tom Drabble-Sadie Thompson Inn & Sadies by the Sea,