More than 3000 rooms at various accommodations have been accredited to host delegations for the October meeting and are sufficient to meet the demand. 

The Chief Executive Officer for the Samoa Tourism Authority (S.T.A.), Toleafoa Pativaine Petaia – Tevita assured there is enough room available for guests during the Commonwealth Head of Government Meeting (CHOGM). 

Toleafoa who also co-chairs the CHOGM Accommodation Sub-committee was asked about the availability of rooms at the time not only for delegates but for tourists visiting Samoa. 

The C.E.O. told the media on Monday some families have made their homes available for the October event and are amongst more than 2000 land-based accommodations accredited alongside hotels and motels. 

The MV Explorer cruiseliner has 999 cabins with a capacity of 1100 rooms, she added. 

Co-chair Fiaailetoa Charlotte Chan Mow-Brunt said some properties have already committed 80 per cent and others 100 per cent of their accommodations to host CHOGM. 

She said a small percentage of the accredited properties are available for tourists for the October meeting. 

Meanwhile, Toleafoa acknowledged the significant contribution of the tourism industry in working together with the government to provide accommodations for the high-level delegates. 

She noted delays from delegates in booking their accommodations on the online centralised booking portal and as a result the release date for the accommodations had to be pushed back. 

She said a memoir signed with the tourism industry noted the 24 August as the release date and is now pushed back to 21 September due to booking delays. 

One of the crucial points she raised is that some of the delegations have booked directly with hotels and have been asked to use the centralised booking system. 

She said the online booking system will make it convenient for the CHOGM sub-committees to organise transportation for the guests back and forth to various venues.  

 The Government will provide accommodation to Heads of Government, Foreign Ministers and their spouse/partners at Sheraton Samoa Resort in Mulifanua, Sheraton Hotel and Bungalows Apia, Taumeasina Island Resort and Return to Paradise Resort.

The various CHOGM sub-committees are holding press conferences this week to raise awareness and inform the public about the progress of the CHOGM preparations.