Samoa Tourism Authority Chief Executive Officer Suifua Faamatuainu has hailed the success of the Friday evening monthly market, saying it is a good example of the tourism sector uniting to support each other.

He said the Friday night market concept was initially planned in partnership with the Samoa Hotel Association, Savai’i Samoa Tourism Association and the Aleipata Tourism Association early last year which had to be moved forward due to the closure of the international borders.

Due to the shut international borders, Suifua said they had to put everything on hold, until they decided to progress the plan last month with the first-ever night market.

“This is our second event and the main purpose is for the tourism industry and our people to come together and stand together in this hard time so that when the borders re-open again but at least we have events to keep us going,” added Faamatuainu.

“The first event was a success and tonight’s event as well is unbelievable. 

“We do the best we can to expose and make more awareness for our Industry, not only for our people to come and have fun in a very safe environment.

“But for hotels and other vendors to earn some money to help out with the challenges and the struggle.”

S.H.A. President Tupai Saleimoa Vaai expressed his gratitude for the people of Samoa who turned up and supported the event last Friday evening.

He said that hotels need a lot of support and they were looking for ways to give them exposure in order to maintain the energy and motivate the industry.

“The demand in our industry is very high and we work hard to keep the energy as a motivation for the industry. 

We plan this as an ongoing event every month, but we will see if we can do it every two weeks. 

“I want to acknowledge the support of Samoa and other S.T.A. and our sponsors who make this event possible.”

Also they included some organic fresh produce sold by people as well as members of the Samoa Women Association of Growing and other handicrafts and S.P.A. Massage.

Last Friday night’s waterfront night market was held at the S.T.A. Fale next to the Government Building at Eleele Fou. It is an now ongoing event at the end of each month and the participants are vendors representing hotels/resorts/beach fales/smaller accommodations and other tourism businesses.

The waterfront night market last Friday was sponsored by Taula Beverage Company Limited, Digicel Samoa, Samoa Tourism Authority and the Samoa Hotel Association.