Samoa Tourism Authority

The projects were funded by New Zealand government and was celebrated in a launch earlier this week in Salelologa, Savaii.

The event took place at Jetover Hotel in Salelologa and was attended by New Zealand High Commissioner Dr Trevor Matheson, the Associate Minister of Tourism Fagaivalu Kenrick Samu, STA CEO Faamatuainu Lenata’i Suifua, members of the Samoa Tourism Board, Samoa Hotel Association, and the Savaii Samoa Tourism Association.

After a special meeting last Saturday the cabinet appointed Faamatuainu Lenata'i Suifua to lead the authority for the next three years.

The current chief executive officer, Papalii Sonja Hunter, who did not re-apply, has been in the position for over a decade.

The cabinet's appointment for a new CEO was made in urgency under section 38 of the constitution.

Meanwhile the 37-year-old Faamatuainu has been working for the Authority for almost ten years and has held a senior position in the marketing division.

Latest data from the Central Bank of Samoa puts our GDP at close to $1.9 billion tala, which means that the STA must increase its revenue earning capacity by almost three times from its present annual tourism earnings of $350 million tala a year to close to $1 billion tala a year.

“While it may sound improbable and very ambitious, I am a firm believer that anything is possible,” says new Tourism Minister Lautafi Fio Selafi Purcell in his speech to STA employees during a welcoming event hosted in his honour as the new Minister for the Tourism Sector.

In a sponsorship deal reported to cost USD$100K, the islands of Samoa will be featured to a worldwide audience, showing off its unique tourism offering as well as provide a taste of what’s offer for international investors.

Samoa’s majestic land and seascapes, white sand beaches, lush forests and rich culture will be showcased during the fight, with a special role for the Prime Minister, The Hon Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi who will be present to introduce the main event.

There will also be a ceremonial introduction prior to the national anthems being performed.