The first general meeting of the newly formed Visit American Samoa Association (VASA) last night was well attended and attracted hotel owners, airline representatives, farmers, and village based individuals who just wanted to find out what VASA is all about.
The mission statement of VASA says it’s a group of local businesses, individuals and organizations focused on the development and success of tourism in American Samoa
“VASA aims to unite our visitor industry in the ideals of hospitality as a means to sustain economic growth for our territory.”
Director of Port Administration Taimalelagi Dr. Claire Poumele who was the guest speaker at last night’s meeting at the Tradewinds Naumati Room said she had already seen VASA in action with the latest cruise ship visits.
There were entertaining groups at the dock.
She complimented VASA for having a clear and concise mission statement and picked up on the association’s goal of uniting the visitor industry.
Taimalelagi urged that the group not focus on what the government is not doing but to come up with bold ideas and be driven. She had faith that the members of VASA had what it takes to succeed and move tourism to what it should be.
Play AudioVasa-Claire
The port director said it was imperative that the association work closely with the American Samoa Visitors Bureau and suggested that VASA propose to take over some of the activities for which funding is allocated in the Bureau’s budget.
Play AudioVASA-ASVB
