SAMOA: Faleolo International Airport

Samoa’s Faleolo International Airport is undergoing a makeover and last week, the grand unveiling of Phase One of the refurbishment project took place with the completion of the departure terminal.

With an emphasis on crowd processing efficiency, technological upgrades, cleanliness and increased capacity, Faleolo's refurbishment is in line with the country’s mission to meet the growing demands of increasing passenger traffic and to improve infrastructure.

The airport refurbishment is a three phase development.

Phase One is the upgrade and expansion of the departures building. Phases Two and Three will be the upgrade and development of a new Arrivals Terminal and public areas. The last two phases are set to be completed by the second half of 2017.

New aerobridges will also feature at the completion of the project and as the new arrivals hall is built, a temporary terminal, now in operation, will be used to cater for all inbound flights into Faleolo.

Sonja Hunter of Samoa Tourism Authority has expressed confidence in the project, welcoming the development as part of efforts towards the establishment of Samoa as a major hub for travel and trade in the South Pacific.

“The new airport is a fabulous representation of our country’s growth. Samoa is fast becoming a feature in many traveller’s bucket lists and an expansion to cope with increasing visitor arrivals will also promote an improved airport experience. It could not have come at a better time and we are ready for greater accessibility and for new carriers to come and consider Samoa as a new destination,” says Sonja.

Faleolo International Airport is expected to complete its final refurbishment phase by August 2017.

SAMOA: Talofa Lava

We'd like to take this opportunity to wish all our friends around the world a wonderful holiday season! Fa'afetai tele lava (thank you very much) for your alofas (love) and interest in Samoa, and we hope to welcome you again to our beautiful Samoa in 2017.

Manuia le Kerisimasi ma le Tausaga Fou!
(Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!)

SIX THINGS THAT MADE SAMOA SMILE THIS YEAR

- An iconic part of Samoa returned; a new resort opened and became an everyday star, and Talofa Airways made it even easier to jump between our two islands or skip across the International Dateline in less than 10 minutes!
- Samoans took the top place in the world with Dwayne the Rock Johnson named as the world's sexiest man, and Samoan son, Joseph Parker winning the WBO heavyweight championship title. Learn about Joseph's Samoan heritage here.
- Phase one of the new airport building at Faleolo International Airport was unveiled – the new departure area is probably the only upside of having to finish up your stay in Samoa!
- It's no secret that Samoans love vibrant colours and fresh styles, so the inaugural Samoan Fashion Week was a cause for real celebration and it inspired us all. We hope to see you at the 2017 events!
- Not only did we elect a new Miss Samoa – congratulations Priscilla Olano! – but Samoa was the host nation for the 30th annual Miss Pacific Islands event which showcased Polynesian culture and leadership.
- We're loving the results of an increased focus on organic, locally produced food! Samoan chefs, farmers and restaurateurs are getting around the table (!) to promote the real taste of Samoa. On your next visit to Samoa, look for initiatives such as the recent Twilight Markets held by Women in Business Development.