SAMOA: Travel Gurus Overwhelmed By Authentic Samoan Experience

The Travel Trade and Media experts from around the world who visited Samoa for the Samoa Tourism Exchange (STE) 2017 have relished their time in Samoa, following a busy interactive three days of exhibitions, property inspections, Food and Wine Tour and activities across the country.

“I’ve had a great time at the Samoa Tourism Exchange, where we’ve seen beautiful and outstanding resorts and properties, each with something different to offer families and couples alike.” Said Anita Gatley of Wedding Travel from New Zealand.

Cristina Cali of Flight Center Travel Group from Australia said that, “Samoa is absolutely an appealing place for my clientele because it is cultural, the people is what makes it and the place here is very unique, raw and genuine.”

Mr Aries Leopold of Voageurs Du Monde of France also enjoyed the destination. “Samoa is a very authentic destination with a unique culture and very friendly people, which is something I absloutely enjoyed, and an experience that fits well with our people in France.”

STE continues to be a successful event since it was initiated in 2008, and in a special year for Samoa being the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development, similar positive feedbacks were widely received from all influential travel trade and media representatives who attended from across the world including American Samoa, China, South Korea, Japan, North America, United Kingdom, European Union, Australia and New Zealand.

On the theme, Beautiful Samoa, the three day event hosted by Taumeasina Island Resort, began on the 3rd of April, with the Minister of Tourism, Hon. Sala Fata Pinati officially welcoming the overseas Buyers and acknowledging the support from the local Tourism Industry, the Sponsors and the Government of Samoa for making the event possible.

The country’s hard working Prime Minister has displayed one of his many talents as he entertained the public and the village of Poutasi, Falealili by singing and playing the ukulele.

Showing his support for community development, Hon. Tuilaepa Fatialofa Lupesoliai Dr. Sailele Malielegaoi this week attended the opening of the ukulele and craft workshop at Poutasi village, hosted by Tuatagaloa Joe Annandale and the Poutasi Development Trust.

Known also for his humorous nature, Tuilaepa played and sang ‘Afitusi’ - match stick, and kept everyone amused.

A video of his performance was posted on social media and the public acknowledged his leadership. “I just admire this about our PM – his ability to show his many sides – the romantic, the musician, the humourist, the leader.” Said one comment. “Tuilaepa serenades us by playing a ukulele made by local artisans.” Said another comment.

The Government Leader acknowledged the work by Poutasi village in further developing this craft, and also shared with all how he learned to play the ukulele during his early days, which was widely applauded and appreciated by everyone.

The Poutasi Development Trust is a charitable trust that engages in the social, cultural and educational development of Poutasi Village in Samoa.

New resorts and an airport terminal, faster internet, port redevelopment and better service standards were among the hot topics at the Samoa Tourism Exchange (STE) held at Taumeasina Island Resort in Apia this week.

Dwayne Bentley, Samoa Tourism Authority (STA) Marketing and Promotions Manager, says tourism is top of people’s minds in Samoa, and everyone is working to increase visitor numbers.

Kiwi visitor numbers for 2016 were up 8% from 2015 to around 66,000, securing their place as our biggest market.

Australians were just under half that at 31,000, with American Samoa sitting third with about 15,000. In total we welcomed 145,000 tourists last year – a 4.4% growth from 2015, he says.

It’s a positive result that can be attributed to awareness of the destination and the effort everyone is putting in to get people here.

Bentley revealed there is much work going on in the background to ensure numbers remain strong, including the construction of a new arrivals terminal that is timetabled to open in January 2018.

The speed of the internet is also being addressed and Bentley says the country can expect to be connected to the Southern Cross cable before the end of 2017.

Meanwhile, Kate Payne, consultant with Samoa Hotel Association, says moves are afoot to address service standards - a situation that has been a sticking point in the past.

But in the past two years we have made positive progress in food and beverage delivery, kitchen standards and housekeeping skills for the members of the Samoa Hotel Association and the wider community.

The Travel Trade and Media experts from around the world who visited Samoa for the Samoa Tourism Exchange (STE) 2017 have relished their time in Samoa, following a busy interactive three days of exhibitions, property inspections, Food and Wine Tour and activities across the country.

I’ve had a great time at the Samoa Tourism Exchange, where we’ve seen beautiful and outstanding resorts and properties, each with something different to offer families and couples alike.

Said Anita Gatley of Wedding Travel from New Zealand. Cristina Cali of Flight Center Travel Group from Australia said that, Samoa is absolutely an appealing place for my clientele because it is cultural, the people is what makes it and the place here is very unique, raw and genuine.

Mr Aries Leopold of Voageurs Du Monde of France also enjoyed the destination.

Samoa is a very authentic destination with a unique culture and very friendly people, which is something I absloutely enjoyed, and an experience that fits well with our people in France.

STE continues to be a successful event since it was initiated in 2008, and in a special year for Samoa being the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development, similar positive feedbacks were widely received from all influential travel trade and media representatives who attended from across the world including American Samoa, China, South Korea, Japan, North America, United Kingdom, European Union, Australia and New Zealand.

On the theme, Beautiful Samoa, the three day event hosted by Taumeasina Island Resort, began on the 3rd of April, with the Minister of Tourism, Hon. Sala Fata Pinati officially welcoming the overseas Buyers and acknowledging the support from the local Tourism Industry, the Sponsors and the Government of Samoa for making the event possible.

Samoa Tourism Authority 7th april 2017 STE 2017: Susie Williams - Return to Paradise, Natalie von Dincklage - House of Travel, Wendy Graham - Lifestyle Holidays, Chris Martin - Seabreeze Resort, Laura Wadsworth - Samoa Scenic / Taumeasina Island Resort, Carole Thorburn - Return to Paradise, Raumati Barbara - Saletoga Sands Resort, Fiona Wozney - Sinalei Reef Resort.

Travel experts overhwelmed by authentic Samoan experience

7th April 2017 2 Working Prime Minister sings and plays the ukulele The country’s hard working Prime Minister has displayed one of his many talents as he entertained the public and the village of Poutasi, Falealili by singing and playing the ukulele.

Showing his support for community development, Hon. Tuilaepa Fatialofa Lupesoliai Dr. Sailele Malielegaoi this week attended the opening of the ukulele and craft workshop at Poutasi village, hosted by Tuatagaloa Joe Annandale and the Poutasi Development Trust.

Known also for his humorous nature, Tuilaepa played and sang ‘Afitusi’ - match stick, and kept everyone amused. A video of his performance was posted on social media and the public acknowledged his leadership. I just admire this about our PM – his ability to show his many sides – the romantic, the musician, the humourist, the leader.

Said one comment. “Tuilaepa serenades us by playing a ukulele made by local artisans. Said another comment. The Government Leader acknowledged the work by Poutasi village in further developing this craft, and also shared with all how he learned to play the ukulele during his early days, which was widely applauded and appreciated by everyone.

The Poutasi Development Trust is a charitable trust that engages in the social, cultural and educational development of Poutasi Village in Samoa.

Faster internet, top service - the road toward tourism success New resorts and an airport terminal, faster internet, port redevelopment and better service standards were among the hot topics at the Samoa Tourism Exchange (STE) held at Taumeasina Island Resort in Apia this week.

Dwayne Bentley, Samoa Tourism Authority (STA) Marketing and Promotions Manager, says tourism is top of people’s minds in Samoa, and everyone is working to increase visitor numbers.

Kiwi visitor numbers for 2016 were up 8% from 2015 to around 66,000, securing their place as our biggest market.

Australians were just under half that at 31,000, with American Samoa sitting third with about 15,000. In total we welcomed 145,000 tourists last year – a 4.4% growth from 2015,he says.

It’s a positive result that can be attributed to awareness of the destination and the effort everyone is putting in to get people here.

Bentley revealed there is much work going on in the background to ensure numbers remain strong, including the construction of a new arrivals terminal that is timetabled to open in January 2018.

The speed of the internet is also being addressed and Bentley says the country can expect to be connected to the Southern Cross cable before the end of 2017.

Meanwhile, Kate Payne, consultant with Samoa Hotel Association, says moves are afoot to address service standards - a situation that has been a sticking point in the past.

But in the past two years we have made positive progress in food and beverage delivery, kitchen standards and housekeeping skills for the members of the Samoa Hotel Association and the wider community.

TRAVELinc Sharon O’Brien of Live Breathe Travel and Wendy Graham of Lifestyle Holidays receive a warrior’s welcome at Seabreeze Resort Ruzanne Keresoma of helloworld; Amanda North of STA and Sibyl Hauraki of GO Holidays ‘take five’ with Air New Zealand’s Hylda Bloomfield at STE 2017 The food and wine tour: Natalie von Dincklage, HoT Product; Emma Cameron, Our World; Sarah Bedford, STA; Wendy Graham, Lifestyle Holidays and Sharon O’Brien, Live Breathe Travel Prime Minister, Hon. Tuilaepa Fatialofa Lupesoliai Dr. Sailele Malielegaoi during his performance as Tuatagaloa Joe Annandale listens on.

7th April 2017 3 The Samoa Tourism Exchange 2017 concluded on a high with an evening of fun and celebration, as all International Buyers and Sellers alike dressed up to the theme Moana. The ceremony culminated an eventful three days of exhibitions and activities, and celebrated Samoa’s unique culture and what makes Samoa a genuine and sustainable destination. Held at the Taumeasina Island Resort, a prayer was led by Rev.

Afamasaga Mautofu Fuimaono, and the keynote address delivered by the Minister of Tourism, Hon. Sala Fata Pinati.

As the curtain falls on STE 2017, I thank all the Buyers from around the World, both new and existing, for accepting our invitation, and we trust your experience has given you that fresh understanding about where Beautiful Samoa is and where it’s heading.Said Sala

To our Industry and Sponsors, thank you for your support. Your assistance as always is appreciated and we hope that the past few days have provided the opportunity from which strategic partnerships will continue to flourish and grow.

Tourism as many of you know is Samoa’s leading industry with numerous direct and indirect benefits. And as market segments and their respective behaviour and purchasing preferences evolve and as competition intensifies, it’s those partnerships and networks which will help us all in our ongoing efforts to improve and grow. Sala added.

Two lucky Buyers will to return to Samoa, after they won best female and male Moana themed dresses of the night, namely Rosanne Keresoma of Helloworld Travel from New Zealand and Joe Dolphire of Scoopon Travel from Australia.

Each received prizes from the hosts Taumeasina Island Resort, of three nights Villa accommodation with free meals of breakfast, lunch and dinner.

The Travel Trade and Media experts from around the world who visited Samoa for the Samoa Tourism Exchange (STE) 2017 have relished their time in Samoa, following a busy interactive three days of exhibitions, property inspections, Food and Wine Tour and activities across the country.

I’ve had a great time at the Samoa Tourism Exchange, where we’ve seen beautiful and outstanding resorts and properties, each with something different to offer families and couples alike.” Said Anita Gatley of Wedding Travel from New Zealand.

Cristina Cali of Flight Center Travel Group from Australia said that, “Samoa is absolutely an appealing place for my clientele because it is cultural, the people is what makes it and the place here is very unique, raw and genuine.

Mr Aries Leopold of Voageurs Du Monde of France also enjoyed the destination.

Samoa is a very authentic destination with a unique culture and very friendly people, which is something I absloutely enjoyed, and an experience that fits well with our people in France.” STE continues to be a successful event since it was initiated in 2008.

In a special year for Samoa being the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development, similar positive feedbacks were widely received from all influential travel trade and media representatives who attended from across the world including American Samoa, China, South Korea, Japan, North America, United Kingdom, European Union, Australia and New Zealand.

On the theme, Beautiful Samoa, the three day event hosted by Taumeasina Island Resort, began on the 3rd of April, with the Minister of Tourism, Hon. Sala Fata Pinati officially welcoming the overseas Buyers and acknowledging the support from the local Tourism Industry, the Sponsors and the Government of Samoa for making the event possible.

Samoa Tourism Authority 7th april 2017 STE 2017: Susie Williams - Return to Paradise, Natalie von Dincklage - House of Travel, Wendy Graham - Lifestyle Holidays, Chris Martin - Seabreeze Resort, Laura Wadsworth - Samoa Scenic / Taumeasina Island Resort, Carole Thorburn

Return to Paradise, Raumati Barbara - Saletoga Sands Resort, Fiona Wozney - Sinalei Reef Resort.

Travel experts overhwelmed by authentic Samoan experience

7th April 2017 2 Working Prime Minister sings and plays the ukulele The country’s hard working Prime Minister has displayed one of his many talents as he entertained the public and the village of Poutasi, Falealili by singing and playing the ukulele. Showing his support for community development, Hon. Tuilaepa Fatialofa Lupesoliai Dr.

Sailele Malielegaoi this week attended the opening of the ukulele and craft workshop at Poutasi village, hosted by Tuatagaloa Joe Annandale and the Poutasi Development Trust. Known also for his humorous nature, Tuilaepa played and sang ‘Afitusi’ - match stick, and kept everyone amused.

A video of his performance was posted on social media and the public acknowledged his leadership. I just admire this about our PM – his ability to show his many sides – the romantic, the musician, the humourist, the leader. Said one comment.

Tuilaepa serenades us by playing a ukulele made by local artisans.” Said another comment. The Government Leader acknowledged the work by Poutasi village in further developing this craft, and also shared with all how he learned to play the ukulele during his early days, which was widely applauded and appreciated by everyone.

The Poutasi Development Trust is a charitable trust that engages in the social, cultural and educational development of Poutasi Village in Samoa.

Faster internet, top service - the road toward tourism success New resorts and an airport terminal, faster internet, port redevelopment and better service standards were among the hot topics at the Samoa Tourism Exchange (STE) held at Taumeasina Island Resort in Apia this week.

Dwayne Bentley, Samoa Tourism Authority (STA) Marketing and Promotions Manager, says tourism is top of people’s minds in Samoa, and everyone is working to increase visitor numbers.

Kiwi visitor numbers for 2016 were up 8% from 2015 to around 66,000, securing their place as our biggest market. Australians were just under half that at 31,000, with American Samoa sitting third with about 15,000. In total we welcomed 145,000 tourists last year – a 4.4% growth from 2015,” he says.

It’s a positive result that can be attributed to awareness of the destination and the effort everyone is putting in to get people here.

Bentley revealed there is much work going on in the background to ensure numbers remain strong, including the construction of a new arrivals terminal that is timetabled to open in January 2018. The speed of the internet is also being addressed and Bentley says the country can expect to be connected to the Southern Cross cable before the end of 2017.

Meanwhile, Kate Payne, consultant with Samoa Hotel Association, says moves are afoot to address service standards - a situation that has been a sticking point in the past. “But in the past two years we have made positive progress in food and beverage delivery, kitchen standards and housekeeping skills for the members of the Samoa Hotel Association and the wider community.

TRAVELinc Sharon O’Brien of Live Breathe Travel and Wendy Graham of Lifestyle Holidays receive a warrior’s welcome at Seabreeze Resort Ruzanne Keresoma of helloworld; Amanda North of STA and Sibyl Hauraki of GO Holidays ‘take five’ with Air New Zealand’s Hylda Bloomfield at STE 2017 The food and wine tour: Natalie von Dincklage, HoT Product; Emma Cameron, Our World; Sarah Bedford, STA; Wendy Graham, Lifestyle Holidays and Sharon O’Brien, Live Breathe Travel Prime Minister, Hon. Tuilaepa Fatialofa Lupesoliai Dr. Sailele Malielegaoi during his performance as Tuatagaloa Joe Annandale listens on.

7th April 2017 3 The Samoa Tourism Exchange 2017 concluded on a high with an evening of fun and celebration, as all International Buyers and Sellers alike dressed up to the theme Moana.

The ceremony culminated an eventful three days of exhibitions and activities, and celebrated Samoa’s unique culture and what makes Samoa a genuine and sustainable destination. Held at the Taumeasina Island Resort, a prayer was led by Rev. Afamasaga Mautofu Fuimaono, and the keynote address delivered by the Minister of Tourism, Hon. Sala Fata Pinati.

As the curtain falls on STE 2017, I thank all the Buyers from around the World, both new and existing, for accepting our invitation, and we trust your experience has given you that fresh understanding about where Beautiful Samoa is and where it’s heading.” Said Sala.

To our Industry and Sponsors, thank you for your support. Your assistance as always is appreciated and we hope that the past few days have provided the opportunity from which strategic partnerships will continue to flourish and grow. “Tourism as many of you know is Samoa’s leading industry with numerous direct and indirect benefits.

And as market segments and their respective behaviour and purchasing preferences evolve and as competition intensifies, it’s those partnerships and networks which will help us all in our ongoing efforts to improve and grow.

Sala added. Two lucky Buyers will to return to Samoa, after they won best female and male Moana themed dresses of the night, namely Rosanne Keresoma of Helloworld Travel from New Zealand and Joe Dolphire of Scoopon Travel from Australia.

Each received prizes from the hosts Taumeasina Island Resort, of three nights Villa accommodation with free meals of breakfast, lunch and dinner. STE 2017 ends on a high with Moana-themed finale A fun filled closing ceremony for all to end the Samoa Tourism Exchange 2017 at the Taumeasina Island Resort. Best Moana dressed female and male, Rosanne Keresoma and Joe Dolphire with Taumeasina Island Resort General Manager, Nathan Bucknall, flanked by STA Staff. Minister of Tourism, Hon. Sala Fata Pinati closes STE 2017.

7th April 2017 4 Samoa’s first and only Olympic Medallist, Ms Ele Opeloge has gone down on the world sporting history books as one of the very few Pacific Islanders to have won those hard earned Olympic medals.

Though her moment has come eight years too late, she has nevertheless further lifted Samoa’s name in the highest level of world sports, by winning an Olympic Silver medal for her country.

Ele was recently awarded the Sliver Medal, after two competitors failed doping tests from the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

Ele was congratulated by the Government in a public parade and ceremony held infront of the Government Building in town. The Prime Minister, Hon. Tuilaepa Fatialofa Lupesoliai Dr. Sailele Malielegaoi spoke on behalf of the Government, and applauded Ele and for winning the Silver Medal, and acknowledged the support of her family, as well as the hard work by the Samoa Weightlifting Federation.

Ele was officially presented her Silver Medal by the Minister of Education, Sports and Culture, Loau Keneti Sio. She was also presented a monetary donation of over twenty five thousand tala, put together by Samoa Observer.

Also attending the ceremony were the Cabinet Ministers, Associate Ministers, Government CEOs, members of Samoa Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee, Ele’s parents, family, friends, public servants and the wider public.

SAMOA: Tourism Grows In Samoa

The government is serious about its commitment to attract more tourists.

Part of that commitment is hosting the annual Samoa Tourism Exchange which ended last night.

The exhibition provided a platform for hoteliers, airline companies, car rentals, inbound tour operators and others to show the variety of what they offer with the hope to boost the number of travelers to Samoa.

The General Manager of Stevensons at Manase, Megan Bradney, enjoyed every bit of the exhibition.

“It gives the travel agents an idea of how things are in Samoa in the tourism sector, so that people can formulate and decide where they want to spend their holidays, not only in Upolu but also in Savai’i,” said Megan.

“This is a great way of showcasing Samoa to the rest of the world. This is a great opportunity for hoteliers both from Upolu and Savaii to show and get the word and name out there for people to know.

“It helps us to get the name out and also one-on-one appointments with the providers and buyers so we can tell them a bit about each hotelier has to offer and also an update of where things are.

“For us at Stevensons, this is an opportunity for us to tell our providers where we are now and update them with work that we do. We’ve built new villas and we are almost finished with our infinity pool.”

Fa’aso’otauloa Paulina Theresa Schwalger from the Sesilia’s Bayview Bungalows shared the same views.

Sesilia’s Bayview Bungalow is located on the Lava field at Saleaula Savaii.

“For us, we always look forward to the Samoa tourism Exchange as it gives us the opportunity to showcase and tell other buyers about our place, location and what we can offer.

“It provides a platform for us to show and promote our work with the hope to getting more tourists and visitors in the future.
This is also a good opportunity for hoteliers and local business owners in this sector to learn from one another on how to improve our work especially with our service to the people.”

Laura Wadsworth, Global Sales and Marketing Manager for Samoa Scenic believes the exhibition was a great way of growing tourism in Samoa.

“I think it’s very important because it showcases Samoa to the world; there are a lot of people coming here to Samoa from a long way, like France, Germany, Korea, Japan and others.

“There are markets that are here in Samoa for the first time and what we are getting from them is that they are happy to be here.

“They said their customers are now looking at somewhere different to visit in the Pacific; most of them have been to Fiji, obviously they go to Australia and New Zealand and they are looking at somewhere different and that’s why it is important that we are having this Tourism Exchange.”

She went on to say that the travel agents from overseas have been giving nothing but positive feedback about tourism in Samoa.

“They all love Samoa, the scenery and most importantly they love the people.

“They love the hospitality and what they’ve said to us is that they are glad to see that tourism hasn’t changed the way Samoan people live.

“They say Samoan people are still holding on to their culture and traditions.

“So for us here at Samoa Scenic, we are going to be dealing with these people directly to be a one stop shop for them booking their accommodations, and other things.

“We are very happy that we have this tourism exchange as it is a great way of growing tourism in Samoa.”

SAMOA: Saletoga Beach Bungalows & Hotel

We are very excited to be able to introduce the new 3 Star ‘Saletoga Beach Bungalows & Hotel‘ (formerly Hideaway Samoa) to you all. The Beach Bungalows side had a soft opening last month and reviews of the property from Product Managers and media who saw at the Samoa Tourism Exchange were very positive.

Gavin & Lou Brightwell who are the owners of the 4 star ‘Saletoga Sands Resort & Spa’ purchased the property next door (Hideaway Samoa) just over a year ago and have done an amazing job renovating the Restaurant, Conference facilities & Hotel room block as well as building new Beach Bungalows, a new bar, jetty & other developments around the property.

Contracts have gone out to all wholesalers & OTAs and the Beach Bungalows are now available to be booked. We currently have a 30% off Opening Special in place to celebrate the opening.

Finishing touches on the hotel block such as tiling and outfitting the interiors have started and this is expected to be completed and able to be booked by the end of July.

We will keep you updated if anything changes. Saletoga Beach Bungalows & Hotel owner/GM says ‘We really appreciate your support with this new property and feel it will be a great addition to the Saletoga family and an excellent option for those needing a more affordable choice on the South Coast as well as for groups & conferences’

Saletoga Beach Bungalows & Hotel offers exceptional value accommodation, located on the South Coast of Upolu in beautiful Samoa and just steps away from a beautiful golden sandy beach & warm tropical waters.

The Bungalows & Hotel is unique in that it is the only 3 star property located on the South Coast which offers conference facilities as well as access to many of its sister property – Saletoga Sands Resort & Spa’s 4 star facilities. Ideal for a family holiday, group stay, reunion, conference, wedding celebration or even a romantic getaway.