Tourism industry dances its way to recovery

By Talaia Mika

APIA, SAMOA – 08 AUGUST 2022: The Tourism sector is dancing and clapping on the road to recovery as more international flights are expected to touch down at the Faleolo International airport this week as Samoa reopens its’ borders to foreign travellers.

With each flight landing on a daily basis with over 200 passengers each, Samoa Tourism Authority’s Chief Executive Officer, Pativaine Petaia-Tevita said it’s the beginning of their road to recovery.

“Our tourism sector has been suffering for so long and on Monday and Tuesday when our borders re-opened, is the beginning of the industry’s road to recovery,” she said.

“We’re hopeful and praying that this recovery will be swift for Samoa’s tourism industry.”

The Minister of Tourism was at the airport together with members of the Board of Directors singing, dancing and smiling and talking and welcoming the incoming travellers.

Meanwhile, the Government is in negotiations with other potential airlines who will be servicing the routes from Samoa’s key source and secondary markets.

Samoa Tourism Authority’s Chief Executive Officer, Pativaine Petaia-Tevita.

One of the arrivals was a Qantas airlines that has been granted its’ license to fly to Samoa from Sydney and Brisbane, Fiji Airways from Fiji while Air New Zealand will continue servicing the Auckland-Apia route.

Virgin Australia has confirmed to continue its’ flight services on the same route as the Qantas starting on March 2023.

According to the CEO, Samoa tourism is also hoping for seat sharing partnership to provide services from the United States as well.

“American market is one of Samoa’s important markets pre-Covid and Fiji Airways was the only flight that was servicing this market between Samoa and Hawaii,” she said.

“We’re hoping that Fiji Airways continues that service or even any other airline that is currently in partnership with Samoa, to provide that service not just to Hawaii but directly to LA as well.”

On the second week since the borders for Samoa opened, the tourism industry is looking to increased flow of travellers as it leads up to the Teuila Tourism Festival in September.

Fire dancing – always a thrill for tourists.