The Christmas and New Year holiday period brought a significant boost to business for the Sinalei Reef Resort, making it one of the busiest times of the year for the resort. 

Owner Tuatagaloa Joe Annandale explained that bookings increased noticeably compared to non-holiday periods, reflecting the strong demand for accommodation during the festive season.

According to Tuatagaloa, the majority of guests during this time were international visitors, with many choosing Samoa as a holiday destination to celebrate Christmas and welcome the New Year. 

He said this increase in overseas guests highlights the importance of the festive season for the tourism industry, particularly for established resorts such as Sinalei.

The resort was fully booked for an entire week over the holiday period, with little availability as visitors extended their stays to enjoy Samoa’s beaches, cultural experiences, and warm climate. The owner noted that such high occupancy levels are not common outside peak holiday seasons.

He also stressed that the Christmas and New Year holidays play a vital role in the resort’s annual income, helping to support operational costs, staff employment, and ongoing maintenance. The strong performance during this period contributes significantly to the resort’s overall financial stability for the year, underlining the importance of festive tourism to Samoa’s hospitality sector.