Speaking at Samoa Tourism Exchange (STE) late last week, Rivers noted that the destination is making strides in digital capabilities, refining its cultural offerings for visitors and seeing increased access with the introduction of Qantas three times a week on the AKL-APW route.
Air New Zealand currently flies the route daily and boosts services to between 14 and 17 times a week December-January and potentially 12 to 14 in other high demand periods.
‘A lot of operators are becoming more digitally savvy, it is something that is spreading beyond the high-end accommodation to mid-range and budget providers,’ says Rivers.
‘Across the board we are also seeing extra cultural engagement being promoted by tour operators. People really want that these days. They can still spend time at the resort but also spend more time with the friendly people of Samoa and see how they live.’
This was an aspect highly promoted at STE. Silu Leupepe from Sunshine Tours Samoa says his company added a Soul of Samoa tour to its website about a week ago. It visits Leupepe’s family village, Tufulele, and focuses entirely on local life – with a swim in the fresh water pool in front of the village before guests return to their accommodation.
‘This was available on request previously but we have seen enough interest to make it a brochured tour,’ he says.
Sesilia Fiu, director and co-owner of Golden Eco Tours and Transfers, says one of the company’s best-selling tours provides both sightseeing and cultural immersion on the east side of Upolu. It encompasses a Samoan ava ceremony and coconut demonstration as well as taking in Sua Ocean Trench, Sopoaga and other sightseeing highlights. The company also offers a Manono Island Tour where guests spend time with a host family and learn about culture, customs, etiquette and traditions.
