A businessman who has built a name in the local tourism industry and operates two small hotels in the territory, Mr. Thomas Drabble, spoke his mind about what he sees as stumbling blocks to improving the territory’s fledgling visitor industry.
Mr Drabble, appeared before the House Government Operation committee chaired by Rep. Faimealelei Anthony Allen, which was reviewing his nomination as a member of the American Samoa Visitors Bureau Board.
Next to the Tradewinds Hotel, Drabble is the second largest hotel operator with his Sadies by the Sea and Sadie Thompson Inn.
Drabble spoke candidly when asked what can be done to take tourism to the next level.
He said the people are American Samoa’s greatest attraction.
Drabble failed confirmation by one vote.
Representatives voted 10-5 in support of his nomination, but he needed 11 votes to pass.
Immediately after the secret ballot, a motion for reconsideration was made which was approved by all of the representative present.
A second vote for Drabble is set for tomorrow.
