Amoa Resort is doing its best to maintain a true presence attract local market.
Liz Siaosi, Amoa Resort general manager.
The journalist and media contingent which toured Savaii Island from the 8 - 10 February. The purpose of the visit was to talk with hoteliers and tourist operators to discus the impact of Covid 19 on their operations, how they have coped and suffered and to understand the initiatives which they have put in place pending the opening of our borders and welcoming tourists back to our shores.
This visit was sponsored and coordinated by the Samoa Tourism Authority. On behalf of the media contingent we thank them for this opportunity to gain insight to the struggles and resilience of the people of Savaii.
The following comes from an interview with Liz Siaosi, General Manager of the Amoa Resort at Siufaga.
In terms of the survival of the Amoa Resort in these Covid times, the resort has had to undertake major adaptation.
This includes a plan which has loosely been in place for 2 years. However, with the reality of Covid cases in the country there is much greater need for protocols to be in place.
Liz stressed that they have tried to remain open ever since our borders closed in April 2020. Since that time they have sought to welcome local guests and hopefully overseas guest in furure.
In terms of domestic travel, Liz pointed out that Samoans are great travellers. Given that options are limited, Savaii provides a very attractive getaway to locals. There is a feeling of space, it is not so crowded and offers a fresh clean environment. These advantages make Savaii an ideal destination for local tourists.
Public holidays and long weekends have been very popular with local tourists. In addition it has hosted numerous family gatherings, weddings and other celebrations. However under the current SOE such gatherings are not permitted and once again the Resort has needed to adapt.
As well as the natural attributes of Savaii, the Amoa Resort is doing its best to maintain a true presence attract local market. For example, it has undertaken expansion of its kitchen to better service its restaurant, catering and in-room dining. It has also substantially reduced accommodation rates with no reduction in the quality of service or access to the pools, ocean and other recreation facilities available.
However, Covid has had a significant impact especially on staff. Many staff have left to find employment elsewhere. These staff were not replaced. As a consequence the fewer remaining staff are now wearing "a number of hats". For example restaurant staff may find themselves also working in Reception.
The objective is to provide the same quality service (and staff wages) with less staff, working harder and smarter. In this way the resort has been able to reduce some of its overheads as a means of adapting and surviving.
As well as adapting the business to be more efficient, it has also received support through the government. The stimulus package released before Christmas was of great benefit and a good boost to the Resort.
There has also been Covid Adaption Plans presented by the Samon Tourism Authority and the Ministry of Health. These have been of great assistance to staff and the business generally. These have also helped strengthen the industry throughout Savaii and the whole of Samoa.
In terms of being prepared for guests during Covid, Liz stated that basically preparations started during the measles epidemic. Wearing if masks, gloves and using sanitizer became common place and this has continued to today.
In the end people respect that and the fact that the resort and all staff have adopted proper safety measures for their own and guest protection, said the General Manager.
The Resort tries to screen people as best possible in terms if their responsibilities too. Even Samoa Shipping has implemented Covid safety measures for ferry passengers travelling to Savaii.
The current SOE has necessitated further changes to how the business operates. For example people are not allowed to congregate in common areas nor dine in a restaurant environment. In response the Resort has provided an outdoor dining area and provided furniture for each room. Guests can order off the menu and have the food delivered to their room- all contactless!
In terms of its suppliers and associated services Liz confirmed that its local community has also been adversely affected. The Resort prides itself on "fusion" menu showcasing local produce. With reduced guests its reliance in local produce markets, fishermen and other local businesses has also reduced.
The Resort is making every attempt to be "tourist ready" for when the borders do open. The STA had provided valuable training but management and staff are still learning. In particular they are following what is happening overseas and how businesses cope and the protocols they put in place for staff and guests.
Liz stressed the importance of protecting staff who not only interact with guests but also go home to families and their community. It is essential to protect and respect one another and be vigilant.
On a more practical note standard practices such as daily room service has stopped again to reduce the possibility of transmission.
In summary, Liz stated that these have been challenging times but hoping that we will be stronger as a result.
Samoa is a popular option once borders open and she is confident that tourists will return when they can see that we too are taking every precaution. Wearing gloves, masks, sanitizing and social distancing will be the norm.
On a note of caution, Liz stated that Samoa could open as soon as it is "safely possible". While places like Australia can handle open borders, not Samoa.
Our plan is just to be ready. Adapting staff and putting protocols in place. Investment now is being directed to servicing and getting hardware and covid safely measures in place.