By Martha Taumata Faavae
Tourism operators at Aleipata do not share the promising expectations of a major tourism boost in the area once the Tiavea Domestic Airport opens for travelers from neighbouring American Samoa.
The sceptical reaction by operators like Taufua Sili Apelu of the popular Taufua Beach Fales, goes back to similar expectations when they built the nearby wharf at Satitoa Village.
“We did not benefit from the wharf when it opened, nobody came despite the promises of visitors from American Samoa,” Taufua bluntly admitted.
‘We hardly get any American tourists or visitors calling into our part of the island anyway.”
Taufua is, however, hopeful that he is wrong and the airport will live up to the promise of landing more tourists at Aleipata to benefit their effort.
The main overseas holidaymakers who frequent the attractions of the area are from New Zealand, Australia and Europe.
“They also came through for us with their support when we were struck by the tsunami.
“For our Tafua Beach Fales I am not raising any hopes of the American tourists coming our way.”
Vavau Beach spokesperson, Ms. Fa’apaia Aitasi Taualetoa, agree with the reservations expressed by fellow tourism operator for Tafua Beach Fale.
The beach is a tourist attraction organised by the Vavau village as an undertaking.
Taualetoa also struggles to put a positive spin on the touted benefits to flow in from the new Airport once it opens for travel.
‘We never had any visitors traveling from American Samoa to stay with us when the Satitoa wharf was completed,” Taualetoa openly stated.
“Most of our overseas guests arrive from Germany and other destinations in Europe as well as Australia and they landed in the country from Faleolo International Airport.”
Taualetoa added that they are not really that excited at the opening of the new Tiavea Airport.
What they find more dependable are efforts by the Samoa Tourism Authority to continue to promote their tourism destination.
The new airport runway is about half the size of the Faleolo International Airport and should be completed next year in February 2021.
The high expectations of boosting the tourism industry for Aleipata include the creation of more job opportunities for the working population in the villages.
Airport manager Silimanai Ueta Jr confirmed the planning as far back as 2018 for the start of all the airport work.
An emergency fire engine service will be set up alongside the airport terminal as work continues.
