'The Conflict Of Tourism'
p. 68 · Read in the full issue
From FELISE VA’A, in Apia
Western Samoa’s Prime Minis-
ter, Tupua Tamasese Lealofi IV,
\ r makes no bones about the tact that he is in two minds about the merits of tourism in his territory, A«V<-rl at a rpppnt Prpcc mn. f , - , . , terence why some OI his public statements on tourism appeared contradictory, he answered that t u pv nrn KoKlv tbic in ‘. ne Y ,P r °DaDly reflected tins mdecision.
He felt this indecision was shared by people throughout the South Pacific on the attitude to be taken to tourism. Two conflicting factors had to be balanced.
“On the one hand,” he said, “we have the need for economic development, and tourism certainly has a contribution to make to this development.
On the other hand there is the native people’s pride in their society and in t heir ° f « hi f h is b°. und to be affected adversely by tourism.
“I think there is no doubt that wherever tourism has affected a country’s society or way of living, the result has always been adverse.
“When you, therefore, consider that the , social t ™ les ’ traditions and customs of Samoa are something which we use every day and are something which affect our attitude towards most aspects of our life, then y° u can understand the diffidence which has prompted Samoan leaders j n past, as well as now, to be in two minds about tourism, “To Samoa it is not just a question of choosing between traditions and customs> and money It is choosing between money and a way of life, and that decision is not an easy one t o make,” said Tamasese.
The government had already shown support of a limited form of tourism by its huge investment in the new airport and road, and by its negotiations with foreign investors on hotel construction, He added, “Western Samoa cannot afford to do without tourism, but a t the same time it must ask itself whether it can afford the more rapid erosion of its society, customs and way Q f life, which in themselves contain the many checks and balances which have allowed Samoans to have the dignity and peace which they have now.”