The Chairman of the Board of the American Samoa Visitors Bureau Malemo Tausaga has confirmed that the board has given the Executive Director of the Bureau, Mr David Vaeafe a 30-day notice of termination of contract.
Malemo said it was the board’s decision to take a new direction for the territory’s tourism industry particularly development of local visitor products rather than concentrating on off island promotions.
He indicated that the board intends to advertise the position and hopefully have a local take the leadership role in steering the tourism industry forward.
According to the chairman they want to focus on creating events and attractions for visitors to see and spend money on when they visit the territory and this includes the development of tourist attractions on Tutuila, Aunu’u and Manu’a.
He said Mr Vaeafe has done a good jobs with off island marketing and promotions but the board feels its now time to take a different approach.
The chairman said this was the collective decision of the board.
The ASVB Board members include Uili Leauanae Deputy Director of Commerce, Tuli Freuan , local Manager of Hawaiian Airlines, businesswoman Paula McDonald and Poe Mageo CEO of Pago Airport Inn.
Mr Vaeafe’s contract expired last year and has been renewed monthly. It is required under the statute which set up the bureau that the board give a 30-day notice prior to termination of service.
Mr Vaeafe who is a New Zealand-born Samoan has been at the helm of the Visitors Bureau since it was established as an independent entity ten years ago.
When approached for comments Mr Vaeafe said, “It has been a pleasure and honor to have served the past Governor Togiola and Governor Lolo and Lt. Governor Lemanu, the Government of American Samoa and the people in contributing to the development of the territory’s tourism sector.
“To the tourism industry, continue the drive to grow your business, work with each other and cross promote your businesses, work with the government to review and update policies that directly affect your business, promote your businesses internationally and above all else build upon the Public Private Sector Partnership model we created.”
The outgoing director said, “We have always said “tourism is everyone’s business” and I wish the industry and Government all the best for the future.
“I also want to thank my staff (past and present), all of whom joined the office with a passion to learn about tourism, try a new career and contribute to the industry and none of what we have accomplished could have been done without them.”
We’ll report tomorrow on developments that have taken place under Mr Vaeafe’s tenure.
