Samoa on show in Australia

02 June 2016, 12:00AM

PR - Samoa tempted Aussies this winter to visit Samoa as the Beautiful Samoa Australia Roadshow visited chilly Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney straight after its stint at the South Pacific Tourism Exchange 2016 in the Gold Coast.

Up to 14 suppliers and service operators traveled with the Samoa Tourism Authority to showcase the beauty of Samoa and present to industry professionals in Australia why their clients should choose the Islands as part of a campaign dubbed ‘Visit Samoa 2016’.

The Roadshow targeted improved destination and product awareness and interest among retail travel agents, reservations consultants and travel trade media representatives who are at the ‘frontline’ in selling Samoa in Australia.

The Beautiful Samoa Roadshow began in the capital city of Queensland, Brisbane, which is becoming one of the fastest-growing cities in Australia, then to the most livable city in the world, Melbourne and concluded in the biggest Australian city, Sydney, from the 23rd to the 25th of May.

Papali’i Sonja Hunter, CEO of Samoa Tourism Authority spoke consecutively in all the three cities during the Roadshow, and thanked all the travel trade and media representatives for their support, and also addressed everyone about what makes 2016 a special year to visit Samoa.

“We thank you for all your assistance in getting as many Australians to visit Samoa.” Said Papali’i.

“This year is our Visit Samoa Year 2016 campaign, which very much prioritizes Sustainable Tourism that has been a priority for Samoa in the past.

“Samoa is hosting Survivor Australia 2016 which is currently being filmed on some of our beautiful untouched beaches and will be aired for 32.5 hours spanning 13 weeks across Australian television.

“This year also, Samoan boxer Lupesoliai Joseph Parker won a mandatory title shot to fight for the World Heavyweight Championship IBF Title in Great Britain, where he will simply say ‘Holiday in Samoa’ while millions tune in from around the world.

“Samoa awaits, with many more activities for your clientele.” Added Papali’i.

Samoa Tourism Authority was accompanied on the Roadshow by various properties, tour operators and service providers of:

 

1. Aga Reef Resort

2. Air New Zealand

3. Fiji Airways

4. Le Vasa Resort

5. Return to Paradise Resort

6. Saletoga Sands Resort and Spa

7. Savaii Lagoon Resort

8. SeabreezeResort

9. SheratonSamoaHotelsandResort 

10.Sinalei Reef Resort and Spa and 

11.Le Lagoto Resort

12.Tanoa Tusitala Hotel 

13.Taumeasina Island Resort 

14.Virgin Australia - Virgin Samoa

Papali’i also acknowledged the leaders of the Samoan communities who participated and showed support. Entertainment was a highlight for the events which were provided by the various dance groups from the Samoan communities within the three cities.

Fantastic prizes were drawn during the events in all cities with buyers winning sponsored holiday accommodations and trips to Beautiful Samoa from the Samoa tourism team and airline operators.

Australia is a key part of the destination marketing strategy for Samoa. The market has grown to become Samoa’s second biggest source market. 

Its share of total arrivals in 2014 was 21%. Last year also, visitor numbers from Down Under exceeded the 30,000 mark for the first time. Australia has strong potential to continue to grow.

02 June 2016, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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