Samoa tourism

The Samoa Tourism Authority says last year there were 145,740 visitors, a 4.8 percent increase on the previous year.

It says there was a 7.04 percent growth in earnings from tourism to $US155 million dollars.

The Authority says there was strong growth in Asian and European markets, but New Zealand continues to supply the most visitors, followed by Australia and American Samoa, according to a report by RNZI.

 A workshop underway in Samoa has brought together over 70 experts to discuss new agritourism development in the country.

The workshop is promoting the sustainable use of local food by tourist operators.

Kelera Cavuilati from the South Pacific Tourism Organisation says it's the first time the sectors have worked together.

Based on growth to date, it is projected that total visitor arrivals will exceed the 150,000 mark in 2016.

Samoa’s Holiday and VFR markets which make up 68% of visitors for the Quarter continue to perform strongly recording growths of 11% and 15% respectively.

The Business and Sports category also recorded solid growths with the exception of the ‘Others’ category remained stagnant for the period.

New Zealand continues to be Samoa’s biggest market and now contributes 43% of our visitor arrivals achieving net growth of 3% for the quarter when compared to 2015.

RNZI reports the CEO was speaking at a World Bank event in Sydney and said access had been the biggest issue for Samoa since Polynesian Airlines stopped flying to New Zealand, Australia and other Pacific locations.

Since 2011 Samoa had operated flights with Polynesian Blue, a joint-venture between Virgin Airlines and the Samoan government.

According to RNZI, the message comes as authorities fear a negative impact on visitor numbers as experienced by Vanuatu post Cyclone Pam in 2015 and more recently Fiji after Cyclone Winston.

The portfolio was previously held by Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi.

Information coming from the overseas media especially New Zealand claim that the zika virus has gone viral and is an epidemic in Samoa.

“It is suspected that this false information is the work of tourist promoters who wants to divert tourists away from Samoa,” Tuilaepa told the media in Apia .

The Minister of Tourism said Samoa should be concerned about such false information because it will affect the tourism business locally.