Top award for Tanoa Tusitala

By Joyetter Feagaimaali’i-Luamanu 27 January 2018, 12:00AM

The Tanoa Tusitala Hotel at Sogi has won Trip Advisor’s Travelers Choice Award for 2018.

The award is the “highest honour” TripAdvisor can give, reflecting exceptional service and placing the award winner in the top one percent of hotels in the world.

The accolade is a proud moment for the Tanoa Group.

 “Whilst this is an annual award, this accolade has been many years in the making with many milestones reached upon the way from when the hotel was completely renovated to this very day,” said Area General Manager for The Pacific Islands, Jason Strickland.

He said the work of the Tanoa Hotel Group is based on three very simple pillars – Our People, Our Guests and Our Company.

 “The --we are a family owned company and family values are consistent throughout our ethos,” he said. 

“Our People are the key to our success, without them we are just bricks and mortar, we don’t have a personality, we don’t have a vibrancy.”

“We build trust and relationships with our staff and this transfers to the guest experience.”

“Our company truly values education and encourages learning and development,” he said. 

“The majority of our leaders in our Samoan property have been promoted from within and a significant number have also been granted scholarships and supported during their education, and attended workshops abroad.”

He also commended the hardworking staff at Tanoa. 

“Staff retention has contributed significantly to the recognition that comes with such a prestigious award.” 

“Many opportunities have presented themselves for our staff at other properties, however they are reluctant to leave the family.” 

“The staff understands what we are trying to achieve, they are invested in our success and they are proud of it.”

Hotel Manager, Jay Krishna, said the recognition is testament to his team’s ongoing commitment to guest satisfaction and meeting expectations.

 “We don’t over promise and under deliver,” he said. 

“Our friendly Samoan hospitality gives 5-star service at a reasonable price. You can’t go wrong with that formula.”

 “The team at Tanoa Tusitala accepts the award with humility and with Samoa in mind.” 

“This award represents all the hard work and perseverance that has gone into building Samoa as a destination over many years.” 

“Many players have contributed along the way and there are many excellent accommodation options offering varying levels of comfort and ambience that make Samoa a unique proposition for travelers looking for new frontiers beyond Fiji and Tahiti. Samoa is unique and the Tusitala team are privileged to be a part of what is becoming an increasingly dynamic sector in Samoa.”

According to Mr. Krishna, the significance of the award is that the visitors have made this decision based on quality versus value for money.

It takes into consideration all aspects of guests’ experiences.

“It’s not about the whitest beach, the bluest water, the nicest penthouse or a Michelin star restaurant on site.” 

“It’s the overall guest experience. I’m often asked what is the best meal I’ve ever had or the best country I’ve ever been to or the best hotel I’ve ever stayed at.” 

“You can have just an enriching experience staying at a backpackers and eating street food and drinking warm beer.” 

“It’s all about the experience and perceived value.” 

“This year Tanoa has been recognized by Trip Advisor for that very thing and we are all proud of that.”

In 2017 Tanoa Tusitala welcomed more than 45,000 guests.

“We hosted numerous regional conferences and continue to employ over 100 staff of who many have been with the hotel since opening,” said Mr. Krishna. 

“Team Tusitala acknowledges the contribution of all the other hotels, related tourism services, partners, infrastructure and collaborators that make a visit to Samoa something to remember.” 

One of the reviews on Tanoa Tusitala by a guest named Petrina, that led to the award acknowledged the staff at Tanoa Tusitala.  

“The hotel oozed with ambiance, surrounded by lovely gardens and a fantastic huge vegetable garden out the back tendered daily for fresh hotel supplies.”

“My room was expansive with polished tiles, tropical and trendy decor & extra comfy bed. Bathroom was spotlessly clean and modern.” 

“The room service is impeccable.”

“The pre-dawn rain downpours were gorgeous. Generous poolside breakfasts kept me going for my big swims all day and the daily freshened flower displays were simply stunning.”

“The location is central - but quite - a few minutes walking to the main retail centres.”

“Taxis always seem to be available from here.” 

“As the culture seems to be no bargaining and no tipping - this was a welcome relief - and I paid whatever was asked (having a little knowledge about expected charges).” 

“While relaxing one evening after a tough day on the ocean - I watched the Rio Opening ceremony...with joyous shouts from staff and guests when the Samoan team marched on.”

“My stay felt like one of mutual enjoyment...why did it take me so long to find Samoa? Thank-you Tanoa Tusitala for being a large part of a lasting memorable experience.”

By Joyetter Feagaimaali’i-Luamanu 27 January 2018, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

Upgrade to Premium

Subscribe to
Samoa Observer Online

Enjoy unlimited access to all our articles on any device + free trial to e-Edition. You can cancel anytime.

>