Dengue Fever Outbreak Over-Incoming Travelers Reassured

Staff Reporters/

Apia, Samoa – 26 August 2024 – Samoa’s Tourism Authority (STA) has reassured overseas travelers, tourists and stakeholders that Beautiful Samoa is forever safe as the recent dengue fever outbreak is now over.

Last week, the Ministry of Health declared that the dengue fever outbreak declared in October 2023 is over.

There were 496 laboratory-confirmed dengue cases reported since the outbreak began.

During the outbreak, the Ministry of Health coordinated extensive mosquito control efforts including partnerships with the District’s Fono Fa’avae to conduct village clean-ups aimed at reducing mosquito breeding sites.

The Ministry also fumigated schools, hotels, hospitals and other key locations.

National effort to host CHOGM
As the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) is less than two months away there has been a national effort with local villages working hard to maintain the pristine beauty of their surroundings.

From the village and family elders to young children, Samoans have been actively involved in rearranging their front yard and roadside gardens.

Tourists being entertained at the Samoa Tourists Village.

Tourism Strong recovery
The tourism industry rebounded strongly since the reopening of borders in September 2022. The Tourism industry in Samoa is experiencing a positive ‘growth’ period.

Earnings for the period Aug 22 – Sept 23 has amounted to SAT$473.8m which accounts for a 84.84% recovery rate when compared to the SAT$554m for the same period in 2018/19 (pre-Covid).

The biggest spenders continue to be the Visiting, Friends and Relatives (VFR) and those travelling for holidaying in Samoa. With the primary markets of NZ and Australia accounting for the bulk of travelers.

The total average spend per visitor during post COVID travel period is around $3341, exceeding the pre-Covid spend average of $3040 per visitor. While this is a notable increase, it remains to be seen if the additional spend is inflation related.

Tourists arriving on the Westerdam Cruiseliner at the Apia Port.