Find Tourism and Travel partners in Samoa
- Overview
- Investment
Overview
Tourism is the largest single activity in Samoa, with over 100,000 visitors annually (129,000 tourist arrivals in 2010), which is more than half the population of the country. In 2009, Samoa’s tourism industry encountered major obstacles, namely the global financial crisis and the devastation of the tsunami. Despite this the industry has rebounded, making use of subsidies and concessional loan assistance from the Samoan, New Zealand and Australian governments. New Zealand and Australia are indeed the biggest source market for tourism visits. Samoa continues to be seen as an idyllic island destination, offering a picturesque landscape and white sandy beach coastline. The Samoa Tourism Authority is the government agency responsible for the sector.
Investment
As the government agency responsible, the Samoa Tourism Authority is committed to the promotion of Samoa as an idyllic tourist destination. The principal markets for tourism are Australia and New Zealand and the main attractions are diving, beaches, rainforest trekking and swimming with animals including turtles. The Samoa Tourism Authority also promotes the wedding and honeymoon industry which is growing in the region. With many Samoans emigrating, the tourism authority has a section dedicated to encouraging these people to return for a visit. Tourism infrastructure is reasonable with buses, taxis, water transport and car rental available for visitors. With a varied and abundant natural environment, there is scope for investment in ecotourism. There is also potential for investment following the tsunami which ravaged a quarter of Upolu Island’s south and south-eastern coast, the location of some prime resorts and beach ‘fales’ (villa).
| Tourism and Travel organisations in Samoa | |
|---|---|
| Pacific International Travel |
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