Samoa’s two Sheraton properties see considerable potential in the 'Visiting Friends and Relatives (VFR)' market out of New Zealand and Australia.
Mark Francis, complex General Manager, and Sherrilyn Charles, complex Director of Sales and Marketing, at Sheraton Samoa Aggie Grey’s Hotel & Bungalows, and Sheraton Samoa Aggie Grey’s Resort; are in the country now to connect with key trade partners.
Francis says the New Zealand market remains number one for Samoa and the figure continues to rise steadily at about 5% a year. He says it can be difficult to separate the leisure market from VFR traffic but adds that both can represent good business for the hotels.
‘We are focusing on that VFR market. Some of these people have lived in New Zealand or Australia for at least 10 to 15 years and their expectations on accommodation may have changed in that time. They might want to mix it up between the village and the hotel.