International borders reopening

Excitement in the air as Samoa officially reopens borders to international tourists

After almost two years, Samoa officially opened its international borders.

About 200 passengers touched down in the evening on a Fiji Airways flight, the first and only flight of the day to bring in overseas travellers and team Samoa Tourism Authority presented them with gift bags upon arrival.

Inside the terminal, face coverings obscured the beaming smiles of tourism operators but cries of "talofa" (hello) and indigenous songs of celebration reverberated around the building.