The Samoa Tourism Authority (STA) continues to implement the SAT$1million Phase II of the
Government Stimulus Package for Tourism and Hospitality, in conducting a capacity building
and development programme through training courses.
As the leading implementing agency, the Authority has been working in partnership with the
National University of Samoa (NUS), Samoa Business Hub (SBH), and the Australia Pacific
Training Coalition (APTC) as service providers to implement these courses which are accredited
locally and also Australian accredited, and are recognised internationally for employment.
More than 700 displaced employees and those working on reduced hours within the Tourism
Industry due to Covid-19, are benefitting from this initiative with Short and Formal courses
since the initiative began in September last year. Short Courses include Information and
Communication Technology, Hospitality and Business Essentials, Food, Beverage and Bar
servicing skills, Customer Service, Housekeeping skill set. Formal Courses include Certificate IV
in Leadership and Management, Certificate II in Cookery, Certificate II in Food and Beverage,
Certificate II in Front Office and Accommodation Services, Certificate II in Tour Guiding.
“The training courses were selected based on the relevance to the current work situations, as
well as to ensure improved service delivery in order to deliver a quality visitor experience.” Said
STA CEO, Faamatuainu Lenata’i Suifua.

“With ongoing challenges faced by members of our Industry, this is one of the many initiatives
we have rolled out since the pandemic to not only increase capacity building but provide some
assistance for members that are actually affected.
“We will continue to work in collaboration with our members to create more opportunities for
all.” Faamatuainu added.

These trainings play a big part in preparing and refining services by the local tourism Industry
for when borders open up, in which the Authority continues to be in touch with overseas
markets on possible scenarios for Samoa if travel resumes sometime this year.
The Samoa Hotels Association (SHA) has been in close collaboration with the Government in
finding ways to assist its members.
“We acknowledge the Government for this initiative and support during these times, and
assistance such as this will assist the industry especially the affected employment within the
sector.” Said the President of SHA, Tupa’i Saleimoa Vaai.
“It's a great opportunity to refine skills and enhance our services within the industry in
preparation for when borders do open up and serve all visitors, domestic or international.”
Tupa’i added. “We will continue to present that unique friendly hospitality of our people which
makes Samoa unique and are renowned for.”
Participants graduating with accredited qualifications and certificates delivered by the service
providers will not only have the opportunity to better find employment overseas, but will also
be more than ready and on standby to cater for visitors once borders open up.
Furthermore, participants receive monetary allowances during the courses every week, which is
very much needed for them and their families at this time. Graduates are being taught with a
more hands-on approach, and offers them more opportunities to further their studies and have
established career paths.
“We are so thankful for this opportunity to refresh our knowledge on customer services, and
also how we’ve learnt some new skills in hosting visitors when borders open up, especially with
health and social precautions to take moving forward.” Said Silialaei Seumanutafa, a tour guide
at the Falealupo Canopy Walkway.
Katalina Penetina Ilalio from Le Vasa Resort said the training has taught her a lot in terms of
safety and hygiene.
“There is a big chance for me to learn more in bar servicing and no wonder why our boss is
always so strict on the using of proper tools and applicable hygiene practices in the workplace."
Said Katalina.

Participants were very thankful for also receiving monetary allowances during the courses, as
echoed by Tour guide at Laauoleola Cave in Aopo, Faalagilagi Umamoa, and receptionist at
Stevenson’s at Manase who said that it has helped them and their families especially with their
reduced hours of employment.
Training opportunities under this Government Stimulus package have been well executed since
its inception, with Training Providers meeting mutual requirements that are paramount in
delivering quality training. Remaining courses are continuing and will carry through till June.
The various hotels and accommodations throughout Upolu and Savaii hosted all the trainings
with the generous assistance from the Government of New Zealand.
The Authority acknowledges the Government of Samoa in recognizing needs of the industry
through this invaluable training scheme, the Government of New Zealand, and key agencies
that have positively contributed to achieving the overarching goal of this initiative including the
Ministry of Finance, National University of Samoa, Australia Pacific Training Coalition, Samoa
Business Hub, Tourism Training Taskforce, Tourism and Hospitality Sector, Samoa Hotels
Association, Savaii Samoa Tourism Association, and the Aleipata Tourism Alliance.

For further details contact Su’a Hesed Ieremia hesed@samoa.travel Ph. 724-7865 and for more
information on Beautiful Samoa visit website www.samoa.travel .