Espiritu Santo Tourism Association Elects New Committee to Boost Industry
July 20, 2024 10:59 pm | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook
By Ezra Toara.
The Espiritu Santo Tourism Association (ESTA) has elected a new committee dedicated to uniting the tourism industry and advocating for the reconnection of the outer islands.
The election took place at this week’s Annual General Meeting (AGM), reflecting the association’s commitment to promoting sustainable tourism practices and preserving the natural and cultural heritage of Sanma.
The newly elected Executive Committee members are Chairman Rayman Leung from The Espiritu Hotel, Vice Chair Lisa Dinh from Hotel Santo, Treasurer Marie Louise Maltek from Nanda Blue Hole, and Secretary Gaelle Roussel from Matevulu Lodge. The committee members include Angie Warren from Turtle Bay Lodge, Marie France Ro from Hibiscus Motel, Sabine Hollerer from Barrier Beach Resort, and Paul White from Aore Dive Adventures.
Re-elected Chairman of ESTA, Rayman Leung, expressed excitement in welcoming the new committee members and looks forward to their leadership and dedication in revitalising the tourism industry.
He noted that the tourism industry has faced huge challenges since the COVID-19 pandemic, compounded by a lack of domestic connections for over 10 weeks. The focus is now on uniting and supporting the province’s diverse businesses and communities.
“ESTA is the largest tourism association in the province, representing a wide range of businesses, from scuba diving operators to tourism attractions, and small and large enterprises,” Mr. Leung said.
“The association has been instrumental in addressing the airline crisis that has severely impacted travel and tourism in the region. ESTA’s active engagement with local leaders and efforts to raise concerns to the Prime Minister have been pivotal in seeking solutions during these challenging times.”
Vice Chair Lisa Dinh shared that the association has been working tirelessly to assist all institutions in the capital to reconnect international and domestic routes.
She highlighted the loss of jobs and the ripple effect on the entire economy, stating that when travelers can’t get to the islands, restaurants close, and the mamas in the market have their produce left unsold.
Dinh emphasised that the airline disruptions have further fragmented the industry, but with the newly elected committee, they aim to bring a unified voice and collaborative effort to restore and grow the tourism sector.
