P.M. welcomes Starwood to Samoa

Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi, has congratulated the Grey family for their tireless pursuit to attract a recognised global and luxury hospitality brand to Samoa.

The Prime Minister offered his congratulations to La’auli Alan and Marina Grey during Starwood’s debut in Samoa, with the opening of the Sheraton Samoa Aggie Grey’s Resort, on Friday.

The launch is the first of two luxury 5 Star Sheraton Hotel's to open in Samoa this year. The second property is the 200 room Sheraton Aggie Grey's Hotel in Apia situated on the Apia waterfront.

Tuilaepa said the occasion marks a great day in the history of Samoa tourism in the elevation of the hotel accommodation standards landscape “to the opening of a first class five star hotel in our country.”

“Such developments,” he said, are “positively impactful and progressive.”

“For it began from a vision of a young Samoan lady and it has grown to become a global recognised hotel chain entity,” said Tuilaepa.

“It is without a doubt that we as Samoans must be more world class business savvy to discern the path of quality business that is most socially and economically beneficial for Samoa.”

“We have to be more perceptive of the shifting global economic climate and align Samoa to garner economic benefits that we have specified in present and future Samoa development strategies under the theme of prosperity for all.”

Tuilaepa, who is also the Minister of Tourism, said the opening of Sheraton Samoa Aggie Grey's Resort is a huge boost to the tourism industry.

“The potential to boost our targeted visitor arrivals over the next five to ten years is achievable with the establishment of the Sheraton Samoa Aggie Grey’s resort and hotel.”

The opening of the Sheraton Samoa Aggie Grey's Resort is the first phase of a bigger plan that includes the re-opening of the Sheraton Samoa Aggie Grey's Hotel in Apia later this year.

In his welcome address, Managing Director of the Aggie Grey’s Group, Lupesina Frederick Grey expressed his excitement for the debut of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc in Samoa.

“It is our hope that we together with Starwood and Sheraton will help bring to Samoa more international travellers using Starwood’s existing SPG Customer base of 15 million plus active members and it's vast experience and expertise in the tourism sector generally,” Lupesina said.

“My family has been involved in the tourism industry for (over three generations) some (80 plus) years and I am proud and well aware of the cultural and natural wonders that Samoa has to offer.”

“With the strategic alliance we share with Starwood and their Sheraton brand, we will be able to introduce a global audience to those wonders and increase Samoa’s profile globally.”

“When Starwood’s customers search for new destinations and world class accommodation, as of today, Samoa will be at the top of the list.”

Lupesina said Starwood and the re-branding as the Sheraton Samoa Aggie Grey’s Resort is a coup for Samoa. It represents 40 plus years of efforts to get a truly recognized global hospitality chain/company into Samoa.

“As such we are extremely excited about working with Starwood going forward for the two Aggie Grey’s Hotels." he said.

“The new guests we are able to attract through these strategic partnerships will benefit all Samoan tourist operators but those lucky enough to stay at the Sheraton Samoa Aggie Grey’s Resort will be treated to the newly refurbished luxury facilities we are situated in today. “Facilities refurbished to a 5 star standard. I am confident that with these surroundings, the wonders of Samoa and the high level of service Starwood and Aggie Grey’s are famous for, that not only will those guests enjoy their stay but recommend Samoa as a destination to countless others.”

“Finally events and milestones such as these are not possible without the contribution of countless parties and I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the honourable Prime Minister as events like today’s are not possible without his vision and the hard work of various government corporations, government departments and officials.”

“If you recall Prime Minister, you had asked my father La’auli who is proudly here with us today in 2002 to help build this resort as you were tired of the various foreign developers promising the world but never delivering on their promises.”

“My father’s reply to you, was, I would do it for the benefit and growth of Samoan tourism but Government had to help me. With this partnership and belief we are here today 12 years later not only proud of a 5 star Resort but also having a global international hotel brand and chain as a partner for Aggie Grey’s and Samoa. Thank you.”

Marina Grey, wife of La’auli Alan Grey, cut the ribbon signalling the official opening of the Resort. Also in attendance during the opening was the Area Manager of Starwood Hotels and Resorts for Samoa and Fiji, Shane K. Cunning, who confidently claimed that the Sheraton Aggie Grey's and Samoa “will be an unbeatable force as soon as marketing programs kick in”.

The property underwent a multi-million dollar renovation program supervised and managed by the Starwood Deign teams from Singapore to bring them up to Sheraton brand standards after a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide Inc and the Aggie Grey’s Group in October 2013.

Sheraton Samoa Aggie Grey’s Resort is the first Starwood Hotel opening this year.

Starwood Hotels and Resorts is behind the global brands Sheraton, Westin, Le Meridien, W Hotels and Resorts, St Regis, Aloft, Four Points by Sheraton and The Luxury Collection. It is the world’s largest luxury hotel operator with more than 1134 hotels in its portfolio. Samoa now included.

The Sheraton Samoa boasts 133 luxury guests’ rooms, all with their own ground floor patio or first-floor balcony, allowing stunning vistas of the tranquil Pacific Ocean.

All guest rooms are outfitted with the brand’s signature all-white Sheraton Sweet Sleeper beds, high speed Internet access and 42’ flat panel televisions.

The lobby features the signature Link@ SheratonSM experienced with Microsoft® – a relaxed setting where guests can stay connected with free Wi-Fi and socialise. On site recreational facilities include an outdoor swimming pool, tennis courts, nearby 18 Hole golf facilities, a 24-hour Sheraton Fitness centre, kids club and an outdoor spa offering a range of relaxation packages as well as a boutique casino.

Delicious flavours from around the South Pacific can be enjoyed at the resorts five bars and restaurants. Traditional Samoan affair can be experienced at the Apolima Fale Restaurant.

Sheraton Samoa Aggie Grey’s Resort also offers state-of-the-art conference, business and meeting facilities.

Meanwhile, Sheraton’s second property in Samoa will be part of the portfolio in the coming months with the opening of the 200 room Sheraton Samoa Aggie Grey’s Hotel & Bungalows in Apia this second quarter of 2015.

The hotel will have a casino attached to it operating 220 slot machines, 24 table games and private VIP gaming rooms.

Sheraton Samoa Aggie Grey's Hotel will also have a Grand Ballroom, Conference Rooms catering between 700 and 800 people at any given time.

Starwood Hotels and Resorts in the South Pacific now operate 3 Sheratons in Fiji, two in Samoa, 1 Sheraton and 2 Le Meridien Resorts in New Caledonia, 1 St Regis Resort, 1 Le Meridien Resort on Bora Bora Island - French Polynesia along with the Le Meridien Resort in Papeete, French Polynesia.