Australia's University of Newcastle will support visitor surveys, conduct ecotourism research, and apply evidence-based strategies to boost environmental and cultural tourism.

The university signed its first Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Samoa Tourism Authority (STA), marking a formal step in deepening collaboration on sustainable tourism and research.

“It is the first one with the Tourism Authority, but we have an MOU with other parts of the Samoan government,” said Dr Patricia Forsythe, Chancellor of the University of Newcastle, during her first official visit to Samoa.

“We look at what work and people come up with great ideas, but you really have to underpin great ideas with good research.

“And so one of the things we’ve been able to do is lend some of that expertise.” 

Dr Forsythe emphasised that the university’s presence in Samoa is part of a long-term commitment, not a short-term initiative. 

“It is not about flying in and flying out, it is about a much deeper engagement. We know that that is the basis upon which success will come,” she said.

For the Samoa Tourism Authority, the MOU is a culmination of two years of discussions and planning. Peseta Robert Ah Sam, Manager of Planning and Development at STA, said the agreement formalises an important partnership. 

“We see it as an opportunity. I guess we've now formalised and established our partnership and we look forward to the opportunities, especially around the research in the sustainable tourism space,” Peseta said.

He said the MOU also opens the door to knowledge-sharing and academic exchange. 

“Best practices from the researchers at the university and then also the opportunity for any exchange programmes between the university and Samoan tourism.” 

The STA is also focused on expanding eco-tourism efforts beyond Upolu.

“At the moment we're working closely with the tourism sector and community members in Sava'ii and trying to establish a lot of these community sites which will target eco-tourism travellers,” Peseta added. 

With additional collaborations already underway in environmental science, waste management, and energy, according to the Chancellor, the university continues to be a major Australian institution fostering regional partnerships in the Pacific.