Tourism generated $370 million for the Samoan economy in 2013.
The amount accounts for 20 per cent of the G.D.P, Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi, revealed yesterday.
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He was speaking at the official launch of the Tourism Economic Impact Analysis Report at the government building yesterday.
With an increase of five per cent in terms of visitor arrivals the following year in 2014, Tuilaepa, who is also the Minister of Tourism, said these figures prove that the government has made the right decision in prioritising tourism development.
“Tourism’s impact on the economic and social development of our country can be enormous; opening it up for investment, creating jobs and entrepreneurialism for the workforce and protecting heritage and cultural values,” he said.
“To fully understand its impact, however, government and businesses require accurate and reliable data to help guide successful and sustainable investment decisions.”
An Economic Impact Analysis, according to the Prime Minister, outlines the flow of spending associated with tourism activity.
The idea is to identify changes on the economy through government revenue, income, balance of payments, employment and G.D.P.
“Today, we launch the economic impact assessment report which provides a detailed analysis of the impact made by tourism expenditure on incomes, employment, public sector revenue and balance of payments; and to determine the overall impact of tourism on National G.D.P,” said the Minister of Tourism.
The Prime Minister also spoke about some of the challenges for the industry.
“Aviation constraints are still hindering potential growth outside of our key inbound markets,” he said.
“Furthermore, as tourism and travel becomes increasingly affordable across the developing world, we will need a concerted and coordinated approach between the government and stakeholders so the necessary infrastructure and capacity is developed to ensure that the industry will fulfil its potential in an increasingly competitive global environment.”
Lastly, Tuilaepa acknowledged the New Zealand government for making the Assessment possible.
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