Tourism industry celebrates Independence Day in style

By Elizabeth Ah-Hi 03 June 2018, 12:00AM

Celebrating 56 years of Independence, the Samoa Hotel Association (S.H.A.) held their annual Independence Ball at the T.A.T.T.E. Conference Centre on Friday evening.

The sold out “Black & White” themed ball was attended by government officials, including the President of Nauru Baron Waqa, members of the diplomatic corp and the business community.

The event was blessed by Reverend Siaosi Sasulu, who took a moment to acknowledge the glamorous dressed ladies and gentlemen in the audience. He wished all a good night in celebrating a nations’ birthday while taking a minute to honour the sacrifices of those who paid the price for freedom.

“We are here to enjoy good company and why not, once in a while, let’s go and enjoy and bask in some of the unique luxuries that we enjoy in God’s own Samoa.”

“A celebration of a nation’s birthday is really a celebration of freedom. We celebrate the precious gift of freedom because other people paid that price. You see, to remember freedom is to remember it is not free. People paid with their life so we could enjoy the freedom that we have.”

“When I read the stories in the newspaper, people always state they come to Samoa to experience that Faasamoa, that Aganuu Samoa or the Samoan way of life. Hotels play a big part in introducing those people to Samoan hospitality.”

The President of the Samoa Hotel Association, Adele Kruse gave the opening remarks by welcoming everyone to the event 

“On behalf of the tourism industry and the Samoa Hotels Association, we extend our warmest talofa lava and welcome to the Samoan Independence Day ball celebrating 56 years of independence.” 

“We also take this chance to extend our gratitude to government departments and diplomatic corp, the business and local communities for your collective and continuous support of Samoa’s sustainable tourism.” 

“Our industry members and consumer support services have significant investment on the ground and are keen to keep working with Government and the communities to make the difference leading to increase economic benefits for our working families through a growing and healthy tourism environment.” 

“Our vision with tourism is aligned with Samoa’s national economic goals and plans which also recognizes the importance of quality. We applaud Government for a 13-year initiative to restructure our access and other potential purposes together with our existing partners, Samoa is on her way to exponentially increase the visitors to fill our hotels and human vestments will trickle down to strengthen our value chains within our community.”

The guests enjoyed live entertainment with the R.S.A. band.

By Elizabeth Ah-Hi 03 June 2018, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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