Open up American Samoa’s port of entry to several foreign countries under the federal VISA Waiver program, create new international events and make American Samoa a haven for weddings — these are some of the recommendations made by the Economic Development Task Force with regards to developing tourism and eco-tourism growth for the territory.

Tourism recommendations are among the economic developments cited in the 40 page final draft of the Economic Development Implementation Plan (EDIP) released last week by the government's 16-member task force.

The EDIP report first pointed out the need to increase marketing of the territory for tourists and eco-tourists in order to increase the number of cruise ship calls and flights per week. It also says that there needs to be an increase in the budget for tourism, at least $11 million in the first three years. (Samoa News should point out that for the first time since it was established by law, the American Samoa Visitors Bureau budget is close to $1 million for FY 2014)

“We need to create demand! If we have more attractions to offer such as the Pago Harbor cable car to Mt. Alava and more organized eco-tourist tours for deep sea diving, snorkeling, etc. which could include a regular ferry to Aunu’u and the Manu'a islands, we will get more interest in visiting our islands,” it says.

It also suggests improvements to the cruise ship dock and Pago Pago International Airport, adding that the cruise ship dock at the main dock is where cargo containers are staged while the airport  has very hot and uncomfortable immigration and baggage claim areas.

It went on to say that the territory must be cleaned up every day and that Commissioner of Public Safety should strictly enforce the Anti-Litter Laws of the Territory.

“Tourists are impressed with the lush beauty of the islands but upon closer inspection, they comment with alarm on the amount of trash strewn all over the place by children and adults alike,” it says, adding that there must be “improvements and continued vigilance to clean and well supply public restroom facilities, with priority given to the airport and port public restrooms.”

NEW TOURISTS

The report further recommends changes to the American Samoa Immigration Act, to allow all 37 countries under the U.S. VISA Waiver Program to automatically be given a 30-day visitor’s permit for entry upon arrival in American Samoa.

All other countries not on the VISA Waiver list can apply electronically and pay a fee of $20 for a 14-day entry visa, according to the report, which suggested that American Samoa do away with the visitor permit for Samoa citizens.

The report also listed countries on the federal VISA waiver program and those countries include New Zealand, Australia, South Korea, Japan, Singapore, and the United Kingdom.

WEDDING MARKET

The task force is also recommending revising the local Marriage Law to allow overseas visitors to obtain a marriage license and get married in American Samoa within a 1- 2 week period. This move will increase the number of visitors to the territory, it says.

INTERNATIONAL EVENTS

The report also calls for creating new international events to attract new visitors to the territory. It suggested that American Samoa build upon existing events like I’a Lapo’a Game Fishing Tournament and the TMO Marist Sevens Tournament to increase the number of international participants each year.

Suggested new international events to bring more tourists cited in the report are: an international Outrigger Canoe Regatta; Samoa Islands International Jazz Festival; and a Coast to Coast Half Marathon (i.e. Masefau/Sailele to Fagaitua).

The report also says that the ASCC Wellness Center can help to promote, organize, and support such events to promote an active lifestyle on island. Additionally, personnel are certified to conduct training and workshops for endurance training and sports nutrition.

“Pre and Post exercise tips help individuals prepare and to recover. American Samoa can offer runners the most beautiful natural scenery along various racing routes throughout the island,” it says.

OTHER AREAS

The task force also suggested an increase in the number of cruise ships calling into the Port of Pago Pago every year. For example, achieve and sustain at least 20-25 ships each year, bringing up to 45,000 passengers and crew members annually. (Over the last two years, the territory has managed to attracted close to 20 ships a year, with another 20 for this year.)

Another recommendation by the task force is to increase the number of recreational crafts visiting the territory for leisure, provisions and maintenance. To achieve this goal, it suggests building a new harbor marina for yacht owners, adding that an estimated 100 boats travel to American Samoa to find a safe harbor, to do repairs and buy provisions.

Finally, the report calls for American Samoa to identify new tourism businesses currently not available on island to generate employment and new revenue.