Samoa Tourism Authority (STA) handed over tents and camping equipment to the value of $38,000 to the Samoa Hotel Association (SHA), Savaii Samoa Tourism Association (SSTA) and the operators of Mt Silisili trail at Aopo.
The tents and camping equipment (inclusive sleeping bags & tents) were donated to the Authority by various partners and these have now been gifted to the industry associations and site operator to utilise and maintain.
During the brief handover ceremony, Chief Executive Officer of STA, Faamatuainu Lenatai Suifua acknowledged “that whilst we currently face challenging times, the Authority continues to seek assistance for the industry and we are pleased to handover equipment to the Samoa Hotel Association, Savaii Samoa Tourism Association as well as the camping gear to the owners and operators of Mt Silili in Aopo”.
“We trust the tents will assist the industry associations and its members with events and functions and that the camping equipment will improve the overnight camping experience for visitors at Mt Silisili” added Faamatuainu.
The handover was attended by the Mayor of Aopo village Mailata Tavita and Executive Member of SHA Fiaailetoa Charlotte Brunt.
In accepting the donation, Mailata acknowledged and thanked the Authority for the timely assistance for Mt Silisili. He added that “the gear will improve the facilities and experience for their visitors”. Fiaailetoa on behalf of SHA acknowledged the donation saying it will assist the Association and their members with events and other activities.
Source : Samoa Tourism Authority, 29th April 2021
