Outrigger Resorts and Hotels is interested in exploring business opportunities in American Samoa.
This was confirmed by the Chairwoman of the American Samoa chamber of Commerce, Ella Gurr.
Gurr, the daughter of Lt. Governor Pulumataala Ae Ae Jr., participated in meetings held in Honolulu between the Lt. Governor and Sean Dee, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer of Outrigger Resorts and Hotels. Also present were Aaron Sala, the President and CEO of the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau, other bureau officials, and Makanai Sala, President and CEO of Gravitas Pasifika.
Gurr said Outrigger Resorts and Hotels is interested in extending its footprint to American Samoa and is eying the old Rainmaker Hotel site. She said the meeting with the hotel operator was set up by Aaron Sala, and the company that Sala’s wife operates, Gravitas Pasifika, has expressed interest in a formal partnership with the American Samoa Government in bringing economic opportunities to the territory.
Gurr said the discussions with Outrigger “look very promising,” and that follow-up talks are expected.
She is scheduled to head to Honolulu before the end of this month for meetings with Southwest Airlines to discuss the airline’s plans to expand operations in the region, and potentially using American Samoa as a hub.
