The waterfront night market is set for this Friday with the Samoa Hospitality and Hotels Association President describing it as a key attraction for local residents promoting togetherness.

Tupa'i Saleimoa Vaai told the Samoa Observer that the popular monthly event came as a result of the shutting of the borders during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"When the borders closed the tourism Industry was suddenly faced with an immediate decrease in revenue,” he said.

“It was a hard time for everyone, members couldn't afford to pay membership either, so I sat down with a couple of my friends and decided that we should create an event that would help hoteliers bring in some money but at the same time serve the community.”

The idea came out of the success of night markets in other parts of the world, according to Tupa'i, who spoke of how it was popular abroad and could get the same reaction here in Samoa. 

"We called it a waterfront night market to feature the Samoan touch of the event," he said. The SHHA president said that many hotels stepped forward to participate but there were numerous challenges. 

"On our first event, hotels were the sole vendors which was great to at least promote their restaurants and earn a bit of income. 

“But there are always challenges with these things, some hotels were finding it difficult because there is a lot to prepare from their locations so we expanded the venture to include food stalls and other vendors who were wanting to be part of it.” 

According to Tupa'i, the event then became a symbol of where Samoans go to have fun and enjoy as a family. 

And despite the people having reservations in the initiative when it first started, support continued to grow which he said is now apparent.

"When COVID-19 hit there was nowhere families could go to enjoy themselves, the cinemas were closed. 

“There was hardly anything for the children to do so the night market became an event that people would look forward to at the end of every month.

"The support of the locals has been amazing, we see that people really enjoy coming in as families.”

The SHHA President also made reference to the commitment of the hard working vendors who have helped to make the event a success.

"I want to thank all the committed vendors who have continued to support the event because without them, people would not keep coming back," he said. 

Tupa'i then talked about the inclusiveness of the event and the reason for the availability of a bar at the venue, pointing out how alcohol is served in similar events overseas.

"The overseas markets often have alcohol served and responsible regulated behaviour.

“As tourist operators, we know how to do that so we want to create a family atmosphere where a father could have a drink, while his family is also enjoying other events of the evening.

"It is now a real event for Samoa, so we look forward to more people enjoying it.”

Tupa'i then acknowledged the partnership with the Samoa Tourism Authority and other related Government Ministries who have kept the night market a family-safe event. 

"The support of the Samoa Tourism Authority has been great as well as the F.E.S.A (Fire and Emergency Services Authority) as well as other Ministries making this a plausible and real event for our community. 

“It has also strengthened partnerships across the board.”