Samoa recorded a near 20 per cent increase in international visitors for the month of June, according to new data from the Samoa Bureau of Statistics. 

“Visitor arrivals have a strong seasonal pattern with a regular peak of numbers during holiday seasons normally December and July," the Bureau found in its monthly review. 

A total of 16,192 visitors decreased marginally by less than one per cent when compared to the corresponding month last year. 

In its monthly review, the Bureau found that 95 per cent of all travellers (a category including visitors but also returning residents and people arriving for other purposes) arriving in Samoa (20,971) arrived by plane. The remaining 4.9 percent (1,080) arrived by sea.

By purpose of entry, “visitors made up the largest component of arrivals with 34.1 percent (7,512) represented by females and 33.9 percent (7,484) by males.  

“Male returning residents made up 14.7 percent (3,231) of total arrivals while their female counterpart made up 11.9 percent (2,628).”

New Zealand remains Samoa’s main tourism market accounting for 41.3 percent or 6,695 of total visitors, and Australia in second with a distant 21.3 percent share or 3,444 of total visitors. 

American Samoa represented 10.4 percent (1,683) while the United States of America represented 10.0 percent (1,618) of total visitors.

“The majority of visitors (43.5 percent) entered our shores for holiday and vacation while 39.4 percent entered our shore to visit friends and relatives. 

“Those who were here on transit recorded a share of 5.3 percent while those who were here for business/ conference recorded a share of 4.8 percent. 

“Samoa Airways leads the way of arrival by carriers during the reference period with a 40.5 percent share (8,933 passengers) then followed by Air New Zealand with a 29.5 percent share (6,502 passengers).   

“Fiji Airways brought in 11.4 percent (2,521 passengers) of total arrivals while Virgin Australia and Talofa Airways recorded shares of 9.0 percent (1,978) and 4.2 percent (926) respectively.” 

Visitor's duration of stay in Samoa is between seven and thirty days, said the review.  

“The majority of visitors (49.4 percent or 7,585 visitors) reported staying in private accommodations or with families/relatives while 44.9 percent (6,883) stayed in hotel/motel."