IFC Sponsors Samoa Tourism Investment Seminar

IFC, the private sector arm of the World Bank Group, and the Samoa Hotel Association have organized a seminar designed to build expertise in the country’s tourism and investment sectors and improve access to finance for viable tourism projects.

The seminar, sponsored by IFC Advisory Services for the Pacific—PEP-Pacific—will be held at Aggie Grey’s Resort on June 11-14, 2007. Delegates representing financial institutions, government agencies, and the private sector will participate in panel and open discussions with 40 industry experts. The speakers will address vital themes, including what investors need to know before entering the tourism industry, how to advance a tourism project, how to manage risks, where to go for financing, what are the land and legal considerations, what is the role of the public sector, and how to grow the business.

John Perrottet, IFC Program Manager, said, “This project responds to a need to build confidence and capacity in the investment environment for Samoan tourism. This can be achieved by sharing knowledge and experiences, and by discussing issues and opportunities specific to the sector in Samoa.”

The event is a first for Samoa. According to Nynette Sass, Samoa Hotel Association CEO, “This is a great opportunity to examine issues affecting investment in Samoa’s tourism sector and seek solutions for developing a robust industry, while remaining mindful of the cultural, social, and economic impacts on the country.”

Outputs from the seminar will form part of IFC and the association’s ongoing partnership to strengthen Samoa’s tourism industry.