Samoa needs a facelift

By Joyetter Luamanu 19 January 2018, 12:00AM

Samoa is beautiful. Savai’i especially.

But perhaps its time Apia gets a facelift – at least some of the old buildings there.

That’s the opinion of Chris Agno of Sydney Australia.

Speaking to Dear Tourist, the owner of Litanis Restaurant in Australia said that Samoa is a great place to invest given how touristy it is.  

Since they arrived in Samoa, he is especially impressed by the service provided by Hotel Tanoa Tusitala, describing it as the “most family friendly hotel” there is.

He commended the staff and the effort they put into making his family feel welcome.

“This is actually my second time here,” he said.

“I was here thirteen years ago and I was in Savai’i for the first time and I loved it there. 

“Savai’i is more relaxing and more peaceful.

“However for Upolu I’m a little bit disappointed. I would think that after thirteen years, there would numerous changes, but not really. 

“Change is needed and a lot of the updating needs to be done.” 

In Australia, the government demands facelifts for buildings every five years, said Mr. Agno. 

He suggested the Samoa government should consider mimicking the same laws given Samoa is a tourist destination. 

“The Samoan people are fantastic, they are very polite and friendly, something you don’t see back home. 

“The hospitality shown by the Samoan people, leaves a mark and makes people want to come back,” he said smiling.

Mr. Agno does intend to come back to Samoa; however this time he will be looking to invest.

“My wife Doreen McKibbin is a Samoan and we intend on coming back. Australia is getting more expensive so Samoa is the ideal place to invest,” he said.

He noted the need for Samoa to have some Mediterranean foods and some new flavours from the Eastern world. 

He also commented on the different services provided by the Hotels and noted the need for the Hoteliers to upskill customer service for their employees. 

“People relations are very important in my line of work, in the restaurant business,” he said.

“So I invest in upskilling my staff to assure that when the customers arrive they are pampered and we make them feel they are home. 

“It is a must for hoteliers to invest in upskilling their employees, smile, courteous with a positive attitude is the way to go for hotels. 

“We are here to make memories, so please help us make it memorable, so we will always reflect back on the good times, not the tacky service that my family and I are getting.”

By Joyetter Luamanu 19 January 2018, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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