Ipulasi submits Tourism Development Act bill to the Fono
Members of the local Legislature are expected to review and vote on the Tourism Development Act of 2008 submitted by Lt. Governor Ipulasi Aitofele Sunia. The proposed legislation, if passed, will result in the establishment of the American Samoa Visitors Bureau.
“I believe that with an endorsement and support from the Fono of this bill, we can rest a little easier knowing that American Samoa is doing all that it can to better itself by taking full advantage of the natural and human resources that are available to us,” said Ipulasi.
The measure proposes to create within the Executive Branch, the American Samoa Visitors Bureau (ASVB), which will ultimately serve as the leading government entity for promoting the Territory as a tourist destination.
Ipulasi said the Administration has taken precaution in the bill to ensure that the Office of Samoan Affairs is involved, and that the executive director does not implement any plans without first receiving an advice from the board.
According to the language of the bill, in order to increase the contribution of tourism to the economy and facilitate the development of a competitive and profitable tourism industry, the Visitors Bureau would create sensitive tourism policies and regulate tourism and its impact to the Samoan culture and way of life.
“As history has proven over and over, the development of tourism will have many effects on a local population and culture. These effects span the spectrum which is why we must take extra care to assure that it does not change us as a people,” Ipulasi said.
In his submission to Senate President Lolo M. Moliga and House Speaker Savali Talavou Ale on January 23, 2008, Ipulasi said the Tourism Development Act of 2008 is the Administration’s attempt to revive and jump-start the American Samoa economy, thereby paving the way to more financial independence and stability.
Ipulasi explained that the proposed new entity, the ASVB, will be responsible for the creation of tourism policies and programs that will not only maximize the Territory’s tourism earning potential, but will also be sensitive to cultural and environmental preservation.
Ipulasi said that the intent of the Administration is to get the private sector “to play a more active role in the marketing and preparation of American Samoa as a legitimate tourist destination not only in the region, but on a global level as well.”
According to the Lt. Governor, tourism is everybody's business and therefore, cannot be abandoned in the hands of just a few.
“Tourism is an idea and a reality that must be embraced by everyone from the village service provider, to the bus driver, the tour operator, and the handicraft seller,” he said.
He added that the government must also play its part in accommodating its growth, and more faith must be placed in the efforts of the private sector and private individuals, believing that they work for the best interest of not only themselves but also American Samoa.
Ipulasi commends comments made by some Fono members whom said have come to the realization that tourism CAN play a bigger part in the Territory’s development and progress than that which they have been assigned.
He said, “I truly believe that the provisions in this bill are sufficient to make sure that in our quest to find economic prosperity, we do not lose our self-identity.”
Ipulasi is urging the Fono leadership and lawmakers to give what he describes as an “important piece of legislation,” full consideration and approval.
He concluded, “These are exciting times in our history. With the many developments in the planning and in action, I feel that American Samoa is entering a new era which can only come about through cooperation and understanding.”
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