Samoa.Travel News

Sun and Fun in Samoa

10/05/2012 5:01:30 a.m.

“Always do sober what you said you’d do drunk. That will teach you to keep your mouth shut.” ? Ernest Hemingway.

Drunk is overstating things, but I probably wasn’t completely sober either when I spontaneously suggested we should do a trip to Samoa to celebrate a friend’s 40th birthday – being her birthplace.

One excited conversation and 5 months later we are boarding our flight to Samoa for 4 nights (but 5 whole days) of “girl” time, leaving families behind at home.   The weather map has been showing thunder storms for the foreseeable future, there are 12 of us to get on with and I am sure that there are those of us with a few qualms.

As we step out onto the tarmac in Apia there is not a thunder storm in sight, in fact the sky is blue and it is hot, balmy and gorgeous as is our tour guide and soon to be best friend Fats (ie Peter Fatialofa). Fats quickly and efficiently (yes even in Samoa) gathers our bags and whisks us 5 minutes down the road to cocktails and lunch at Aggie Greys Lagoon resort. It is only 11am NZ time and we are reclining with drinks in the sun, the chill of NZ quickly forgotten and realising that the days to come are going to be something more than special.Upolu, the island where the international airport is based, is relatively spread out, dotted with immaculate villages, where houses in a rainbow of colour stand out against the lush green landscape.

It is a good hour’s drive until we reach our resort along a well maintained yet narrow road that we share with pigs, pedestrians and other vehicles. We are staying at Seabreeze, on the south coast of the island, the southern and eastern sides were those hardest hit by the tsunami. The tropical vegetation has been quick to recover and a huge effort put into restoring and rebuilding property.

Lalomanu, a picturesque beach on the Eastern coast of Upolu is touted by Lonely Planet as being one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. It really is a post card beach with silken white sand, iridescent blue water and palm trees to frame your photos.   It is where we settle in for a full day of beach and water activity (or not) and then return again for our Saturday night champagne on the beach and special dinner that gets slightly lost in translation…

The sandy coast of Lalomanu provides good swimming and the beach gently falls away making it safe for young and old. It is once you start to snorkel that you appreciate the extent of the tsunami devastation. Layers of decimated coral will take some time to recover but the fish are coming back and the electric blue flashes of new coral life help to imagine the lush seabed as it would have been prior to 2009. One of our group claims she has seen a turtle while snorkelling, although the rest of us take some convincing. I head into the water, turtle spotting with renewed vigour (swimming with turtles being high on my bucket list). I have water wrinkled fingers and am almost feeling cold when a turtle glides out beneath me. My breathing is so loud I worry it may scare it away but it allows us to follow it for quite some time, as it moseys silently around the coral.

Another great snorkelling spot is on the fringe of Apia at Palolo Deep Marine Reserve. With the port so close by it seems an unlikely destination, but once you are beyond the kelp growth that borders the shore there are a myriad of fish to see and once again we were lucky enough to swim above turtles. The coral drops off in places allowing scuba diving experiences or more adventurous snorkelling to spot reef sharks and more.

Unfortunately my sense of adventure with snorkelling doesn’t extend to heights or ladders and I am the self appointed photographer at the To Sua Ocean Trench, just walking distance from our Seabreeze resort. To Sua – meaning large hole – is a large natural swimming hole which is only accessible by ladder or through the caves that water surges into the trench through. At high tide it is possible to leap from varying points on the ladder down to the brilliant blue water.   There is a small fee to enter and at high tide there are also blow holes along the rocky coast bordering the lush and well maintained gardens.

Samoa is well catered with resorts for varying budgets and travelling styles.
When we take the family back I plan to go to Litia Sini Beach resort on Lolomanu Beach. It is more rustic than we would ordinarily choose, the ablution block is communal and the clean but basic rooms contain just beds and ceiling fans. The beach is your playground and the bar/restaurant facilities are perfect for most families needs. Rates include buffet dinner and breakfast and work out to be very reasonable. We would rent a car from Apia as I think that after a few days of beaching I would probably need a day trip either into Apia or to other villages around the island.
Coconuts Resort is also a good option, although the menu could do with some local input instead of trying to recreate French classics.

If the kids have grown up or you are leaving them at home then Sinalei Resort offers the ultimate in luxury. Covering over 30 acres with a maximum of 60 guests you really do feel as if you own the place. The restaurant, under the watchful eye of food and beverage manager Sharon Greene, supports local produce and the food is deliciously fresh and better than many island resorts offer. Coconut crusted parrot fish with a watercress salad and island fries is such a hit that I have to return for a repeat the next day (Samoa has fabulous fish from reef fish such as parrot fish to delicious fresh tuna). The frozen margaritas on the beach as we recline on our loungers immersed in books, are a complete indulgence! Another choice of indulgence is a massage in the island style bungalows with views out to sea.

Snorkelling at Sinalei is especially good at high tide – otherwise the water can feel quite shallow. You can also organise a short boat trip to a small island nearby that reputedly has the best snorkelling around.
Sinalei is one of those places that you just don’t want to leave and I know that we will be back once child free holidays become a reality or the kids are over 12 and can come too.

With a local population of close to 40,000 Apia has all of the services of a Pacific Island city. Shopping includes the traditional island carved wooden bowls, ornaments from coconut shell and fibre along with colourful sarongs.

The Apia produce markets are definitely worth a food lovers visit, amongst the traditional taro and coconut are gems such as freshly picked lychees and mangosteen and I buy a bag of each (mangos, melons and pineapple are also available when in season). The delicious salted banana and taro chips are eaten with drinks and the block of cacoa paste makes it past NZ customs without a hitch. The sago drink is a bit thick and sloppy for my liking although proves to be popular with locals.

Robert Louis Stevenson spent his last years in Apia, his house as a museum and grave site are open for viewing at certain hours.

Apia has a selection of restaurants, with Chinese business influence there are Chinese restaurants along with Italian and other cultural influences.

For a great coffee and cafe style food head to the Coffee Bean Cafe (just behind Aggies hotel), their coconut muffins are seriously good! In fact Samoa do coconut really well, fresh coconut versus dried makes the world of difference to baking and one day I vow to experiment at home.

Our days roll by into a blur of sun, laughs, good food, not so good food and a sense of general well being. Our final afternoon is spent again at Aggies Lagoon where birthdays are celebrated in true island style.   We marvel at how incredible our trip has been, how far our $$ have stretched and whether anything could be quite so perfect again.
Maybe, maybe not, I am prepared to give it a shot though and am currently checking out the very reasonable airfares so I can share Samoa with my family.

Extra info.
* Air New Zealand fly Auckland to Samoa 5 days a week. Some flights are at completely unsociable hours but if you are flexible with days then you can tailor your schedule to suit.
* Peter Fatialofa has a wealth of experience and is worth consulting as a group tour guide. He can take you to discos, restaurants or a quiet beach…. (he can also move your piano if needed).
* Women in business is an organisation in Samoa, established to assist families in villages to earn an income with the resources they have.
* Allgood Fairtrade bananas from Samoa
* Samoa, baby (aka Samoa with a toddler) – Virgil Evetts
* Sinalei and Seabreeze resorts are both restricted to people over 12 years of age.
* Sinalei dining is highly recommended and we applaud the way they work with their local farmers and producers to source the best local produce that the island has to offer.
* NZ wine and local beer are well priced in the supermarket or liquor store in Apia.
* Bottled water is often not needed, so therefore it is good to reduce plastic waste and refill your bottles with tap water. Do check with each place as to their water source. We drank tap water with no ill effects.
* Self catering accommodation is not the norm in Samoa although Sinalei have houses on the outskirts of Apia.
Oka – Samoan style cerviche is available at most restaurants. It is often made with freshly caught tuna and is delicious.

Source: www.foodlovers.co.nz
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Samoa Celebrates 50 Years of Independence with Reggae Royalty

27/04/2012 3:58:32 a.m.

The group will be performing at an outdoor concert in Apia Park, Samoa on the 1st of June.

One of the most successful reggae bands in the world with a career spanning 3 decades and over 70 million records sold worldwide, the UB40 concert will be one of the first official events of the 50th Independence celebrations for Samoa.

Samoa Tourism Authority believes the band and the destination is a match made in heaven. “If Samoa was a song it would be a UB40 track. UB40 epitomises laid back cool and really speaks to Samoans, many of which grew up with their music”, says Samoa Tourism Authority.

“Lonely Planet once wrote that if relaxation was an Olympic event, Samoa is where you would come to train. What better soundtrack to have on while relaxing than UB40?” says Samoa Tourism Authority.

The concert is expected to be a sold out event.

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Samoa Celebrates The Reopening Of Salani Surf Resort

27/04/2012 12:00:00 a.m.

Samoa Tourism Authority is proud to announce that Salani Surf Resort Samoa is nowback better than ever with better facilities sure to attract a new market – Flashpackers.

Situated on the idyllic South East coast of Upolu, Salani Surf Resort is made up of eight ventilated and elevated fales (bungalows), all with lagoon and river views.

To maintain quality and guest experience the resort hosts no more than 12 surfers at a time, and with easy access to the best breaks in the region, it’s no wonder this is a gem the surfing community have guarded fiercely.

Owner Chris Donato says that apart from its location one of its key selling points is the ability to surf minus the crowds.

“You never really have a crowd here. The way the resort is set up we only have eight rooms and we won’t take more than twelve surfers at the resort at any given time so basically we can guarantee that you’ll never have a crowd out there”.

“The best thing here is you can stand on your porch, see a wave, you can be out there in a few minutes surfing that perfect wave”.

Samoa Tourism Authority says one of Samoa’s treasures is its challenging surf breaks.

“Waves are constant all year round and Samoa’s uncrowded surf spots are the best kept secret in the South Pacific region. In Samoa, you can count on nobody unexpectedly dropping in on you”.

Officially reopening its doors earlier this year, Chris Donato says the resort is looking forward to welcome back its strong pre-tsunami guests.

“We are rebuilt, we are ready for you guys, come down, get barreled, come to Samoa, it’s a beautiful place, experience our world class surfing”.

Samoa Tourism Authority also says that Samoa offers the perfect combination of fascinating traditions and activities in a laid back setting.

“Just five hours from Australia and a less than four hours from New Zealand, Samoa is a beautiful mix of tradition and adventure. We have a 3,000 old culture called Fa’a Samoa and part of that means that we respect Sunday as a day of rest so no surfing is allowed on a Sunday. But after 3,000 years of practice we’ve found that it’s good for people to slow down – if only for just one day!”

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Le Penina Golf Course, Samoa to host SIFA Samoa open 2012

26/04/2012 12:00:00 a.m.

Le Penina Golf Course in Samoa will play host to the Pro-Am and SIFA Samoa Open in September - a sanctioned 3 round event of the Australian PGA.

The tournament begins with the Pro-Am event for sponsors, pros and all interested amateurs (including Aggie Grey’s Resort guests) on the 19th of September.

The SIFA Samoa Open (54 holes) then runs from the 19-22 September. Amateurs meaning to join the competition will require a registered handicap of 14 to be eligible to enter.

Le Penina Golf Course is an 18 hole par 72 championship golf course spread across 160 lush acres and is only five minutes away from Faleolo International Airport. The course is built on a former US military base used in World War 2 and features several historical landmarks including copra ovens built during the German occupation for making fuel.

The course is challenging enough to test professional golfers with total length of 7,136 yards. Following an upgrade, it now boasts a new driving range, new Club Car golf carts for hire and new premium Cobra rental clubs for men and women including right and left handed.

Further improvements are being made to Le Penina with the construction of a new fale style Club House which will also be available for functions.

Samoa Tourism Authority says that the SIFA Samoa Open is a fantastic way to round up the 50th Independence Celebrations.

“Many people are not aware of the world class sporting facilities Samoa has to offer. Many of these facilities have been built or improved upon for the South Pacific Games in 2007, so what we have is on par with international facilities."

“Our golf courses are second to none, and with the amazing views that Samoa have to offer what better way to wrap up the golden year anniversary of our Independence and of course the Teuila festival than with a round of golf in paradise?” says Samoa Tourism Authority.

Only five hours from Australia and just over three hours from New Zealand across the South Pacific, Samoa is located in the heart of Polynesia and is best known for offering the most authentic of all Polynesian experiences. The nation boasts a 3,000 year old culture called Fa’a Samoa also known as The Samoan Way and is a culture found nowhere else in the South Pacific.
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Simply Samoa

19/04/2012 12:00:00 a.m.

On leaving for Samoa I would have thought the meaning of life (or my life anyway) was to get on a plane destined for an exotic tropical island to escape, with the help of equally exotic cocktails, my not-so-exotic existence. But as I left Samoa to return home I realised my visit had changed my perspective not just on my life but the meaning of life. The authentic beauty of the Samoan people and landscape were a revitalising tonic for my weary and cynical take on life.

Samoa is made up of two large islands and several small islands and is relatively new to tourism and so it has been isolated from commercialism and over-development. (I wished I could say that is why I chose to go but it wasn’t – it was because it was cheap!) The main island, Upolu, is the most developed island and it does have a few high-rise luxury resorts and of course the international airport. This is where I arrived but I soon found myself on a ferry (along with beer trucks and crates of piglets and chickens) to Savaii the largest but more remote island of Samoa (you pronounce it as you would Hawaii but with an ‘S’). Savaii is one of the largest islands in Polynesia but one of its least populated.

On the hour long ferry trip I began to feel something I hadn’t for some time (and it wasn’t seasickness luckily) it was an excitement and aliveness about life. My Samoan adventure had begun and as I drove my little hire car off the ferry I felt I bit like an explorer discovering a new world. I was advised to hire a car and I would definitely recommend it if you are staying on Savaii as the main town Salelologa is basic and there are few taxis and public transport is scarce. You will need to get a temporary Samoan driver’s licence which I got from the hire car company for a small fee. Also Samoans drive on the left hand side of the road which just adds to the adventure if you are used to driving on the right.

There is one main road that follows the coast of the entire island which made my exploring very carefree as I didn’t have to be concerned with navigating and I could just relax and absorb the wonder of what was before me. Savaii is truly an island of immense beauty and variety – it will astonish you with its stunning beaches and reefs with turquoise water which are perfect for snorkelling, lush rainforest, fresh water springs, dramatically rugged stretches of lava coast studded with caves and blowholes and the interior of the island is just as impressive because of its towering volcanic peaks. It is breathtakingly beautiful. Traditional villages line the coast and because Savaii is relatively untouched by western influences the people have maintained an innocence and happiness that is even more beautiful and impacting than the landscape. This is the true wonder of the island – its people and as I travelled through the villages with their great colour and simplicity I began to thaw out from my selfish and competitive mindset. As I absorbed the warmth and authenticity of the people and the children in particular and saw what is meaningful to them I began to reconnect to what is real and true in my life and the world – to the real meaning of life which I think is trying to look after our spiritual wellbeing rather than our financial wellbeing – to connect with a true sense of family and humanity. Normally for me to try and think about such a profound subject as the meaning of life would be very confronting and a no go zone but in this warm Samoan wonderland I could actually get some perspective which has been lasting and produced quite a transformation in my life. Thank you – or fa’afetai Samoa.

Source: Travelmag.co.uk
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Samoa features in Royal Caribbean Cruises 2013/14 Australia Season

19/04/2012 12:00:00 a.m.

Royal Caribbean has released details of its 2013/14 Australia season with three liners to be positioned in local waters for the second consecutive season.

The cruise line’s commercial manager Adam Armstrong said Royal Caribbean will be the largest company operating from Sydney over the next two summers.

Rhapsody of the Seas will operate a 16-night Trans-Pacific Fiji and Samoa cruise from Honolulu to Sydney departing Hawaii on September 18 with the return leaving Sydney on April 18.

Also new for the Rhapsody is a 15-night Queensland and South Pacific New Year cruise.

Source: Travel Today
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Beauty is the real deal

11/04/2012 12:00:00 a.m.

SHE was not your average pageant contestant. Photogenic? Yes.

And her eyes sparkled in the spotlight.

But she was far more curvaceous than the Western beauty queens I was used to.

Vivacious and outgoing?

Definitely.

And she commanded the attention of the packed hall with every graceful movement.

But she remained humble, respectful and fiercely traditional.

She was a beautiful Samoan woman.

The winner of the 2011 Miss Samoa pageant, Olevia Ioane, was crowned on the final night of my visit to the South Pacific nation.

And for me, the 24-year-old teacher's beauty, dignity, creativity and cultural pride epitomised modern Samoa.

The pageant, which also showcases wearable art from some of the region's most innovative fashion designers as well as contestants' talents, is the final exclamation mark to Samoa's biggest celebration of the year, the Teuila Festival.

The Teuila Festival (pronounced te-wheel-a) is held in late August-early September each year when all of Samoa puts on its happy face and decks out shops, houses, fales and public areas in teuilas - the national torch-like red flowers flanked by bright green leaves that we more commonly associate with the ginger plant.

Festival Central is the lawn area in front of the government office building, spilling over to the neighbouring Samoan Tourism Authority cultural village where a number of cultural activities take place from mid-morning until late - everything from dancing, singing, and fire-twirling to markets and traditional customs such as weaving, tapa making, tattooing and cooking in the umu above-ground oven.

Samoans like to think of their country (Sa meaning "sacred" and moa meaning "place") as the heart of Polynesia and this festival is not only a big annual production for visitors but also an important celebration of their unique cultural and natural heritage.

Samoa comprises 10 islands in the archipelago but only four are inhabited.

While Savai'i (pronounced like Hawaii) is the largest island to the north, most people live on the second-biggest island, Upolu (pronounced oo-poh-loo), concentrated in the capital, Apia ("a-pee-a").

The rest of the 180,000 total population is found in more than 360 villages.

Samoa welcomes a total of 30,000 tourists a year but the main tourism focus is the Teuila Festival.

Last year's festival theme was "Beautiful Samoa".

And from the pristine turquoise lagoon to the great blue depths of the ocean reefs, from the dark green of the rainforest to the starkness of the black lava fields, from fronds of the coconut palm swaying outside a quaint beachfront fale to her mountainous peaks, Samoa's beauty is everywhere.

But just like the Miss Teuila Festival winner, Samoa's inner beauty - her friendliness and the wide smiles etched on the brown faces of her people - is what will really win you over.

The writer was a guest of Samoa Tourism Authority

Air Pacific, Air New Zealand and Polynesian Blue fly to Samoa weekly out of Brisbane and Sydney.

GOOD TO KNOW ABOUT SAMOA

Where to stay on Upolu Island:

Taufua Beach Fales
Le Manumea Hotel
Orator Hotel
Tanoa Tusitala Hotel

Where to eat:
Sails Restaurant and Bar, Apia: Exceptional food and great cocktails while dining al fresco by the water:

Sydney Side Cafe: Convent St, Apia: possibly Samoa's best-known coffee shop and a great place for tasty and healthy lunches.

What to do:
Palolo Deep Marine Reserve: snorkel only 3km from the Apia CBD, straight off the beach, for a small fee.

To Sua Trench: Overcome your fear of steep ladders and head down to the To Sua Ocean Trench, one of the ideallic sites in Lotofaga village, Upolu Island. To Sua translates as "big hole". A ladder is installed on site for visitors to access the 30-metre deep seawater pool. Water flows into the deep hole through a lava tube tunnel. The two sua are situated in a beautiful garden park, ideal for nature photography, overlooking the south-east coast of the island. A few scenic sites are in the same area, including blowholes, and an incredible small beach on the western side.

Piula Cave Pools in the Piula Theological College

The Robert Louis Stevenson Museum in Vailima, Apia

Savalalo Flea Market and Fugalei "New" Market (fruit and vege)

Aggie Grey's Cultural Show

TEUILA FESTIVAL 2012
Sunday, September 2-Saturday, September 8

The Teuila Festival is one of Samoa's most celebrated annual events, and promises to be as exciting and entertaining this year as in the past. Many activities and shows will held particularly in Apia, Samoa's capital city.

Throughout the week, cultural activities will include the choir hymnal exhibition, a variety of traditional entertainment such as fire knife dancing, traditional sports with the fautasi race (the long boat used as a means of transport across the islands of Samoa in the olden days), plus wood carving, tattooing, and two nights of variety shows.

Source: Fraser Coast Chronicle
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Samoa Sets Celebrate Samoa Program On Fire!

4/04/2012 12:00:00 a.m.

Regarded as the world’s second longest running competition, the Siva Afi is an integral element of the Samoan culture.

Dating back hundreds of years, the Siva Afi is a Samoan warrior’s demonstration of his battle prowess through the artful twirling of his weapon, often a war club or a machete. During night time performances of this ritual the ends of the poles and weapons are set to flame creating a spectacular and mesmerizing performance.

Dancers will twirl and do acrobatic stunts to the beat of Samoan drumbeats. The complexity of the moves can often result in injury and many performers have been reported to have denied medical treatment for their injuries as a demonstration of their ferocity, strength and valour.

While fire twirling is practiced around parts of the South Pacific many historians claim that the original Siva Afi originated in Samoa, with the Samoan version being the most authentic.

To be held at Surfside, Matautu-tai in Upolu, the event promises to be quite a spectacle with representatives travelling from all over the world to compete.

“Siva Afi are often performed during Fia Fia nights in many resorts and properties in Samoa in designated nights, so make sure you find out when your property hosts theirs as it is an event not to be missed” says Samoa Tourism Authority.

“The show is quite breathtaking and an awesome display of an element of their 3,000 year old Fa’a Samoa tradition, which is found nowhere else in the South Pacific.

“Just don’t sit too close to the stage or you might just get your eyebrows singed!”
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Forget five star ratings with a fale, you sleep under a billion!

3/04/2012 12:00:00 a.m.

Literally.

Samoan Fales, once a fiercely guarded secret by locals, surfers and intrepid travelers are quickly gaining popularity among the general leisure market as a low budget, convenient and unique accommodation experience.

With the water lapping on the white sandy beach only a few steps away, a fale is your typical Samoan beach hut.

The Samoan Tourism Authority says fales are the closest one can experience the traditional way of living in Samoa with the added benefit of being mere steps away from the glistening waters and surf breaks of the Pacific.

“In Samoa, there is no Samoan word for walls,” says the Samoa Tourism Authority.

“Walk into a hotel or motel and once you close the doors and draw the blinds you can be anywhere in the world. When you stay in a fale, where the closest you get to a wall is your woven blind, you know you’re in Samoa.

“This type of shelter and accommodation really is perfect for the Samoan climate and is found nowhere else in the world.”

Traditionally a thatched roof bore by wooden poles with open sides to the elements, you will find only the basics are supplied - bedding, mosquito net and woven mats over the windows that can be pulled down for privacy. The shared toilet/shower facility is located nearby.

These days coastal villages have developed modern variations of the fale, with some even offering private en suite bathroom facilities.

“Imagine being lulled to sleep by the sound of waves gently lapping the shore, the cool soft sea breeze blowing through your fale under a night sky lit by the twinkling of a billion stars – without the five star prices.”

Depending on the fale and the style of property, fales can cost as little as $40 per person per night which usually includes breakfast and dinner.

“Samoa is the best value destination in the South Pacific and it takes very little effort or money for one to become incredibly rich with unique experiences.

Staying in a fale is the best way to be close to Samoa’s stunningly beautiful and pristine surrounds. Add a warm and friendly village atmosphere and a 3,000 year-old culture called Fa’a Samoa and you’re as close to the authentic Polynesian experience.

“You can’t put a dollar value on that” says Samoa Tourism Authority.
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Samoa a big climber in the House of Travel Top 10 for Travelling with Children

2/04/2012 12:00:00 a.m.

The spots, in general, are dominated by tried and true favourites. But it is the growth in some of these destinations that has surprised commentators within the group.

Samoa is the final big climber in the Top 10 for travelling with Children. Ever improving accommodation options are making Samoa an increasingly attractive alternative to Fiji. Samoa has seen significant increase in bookings via the House of Travel group. “We can only see Samoa improving as a popular holiday destination, as new room and air capacity comes online,” comments Ms White.

“Every parent wants to maximise those 20 special days off with their family and create memories that they will cherish for a life time. With promoting all family destinations, it is about keeping the 4 S’s in mind – Sun, Sand, Shopping and Sightseeing.”

House of Travel’s Top 10 Destinations for Travelling with Kids, 2012:
1- Queensland, Australia
2- Fiji
3- United Kingdom
4- United States
5- Cook Islands
6- New South Wales, Australia
7- Samoa
8- Thailand
9- Victoria, Australia
10- France

Source: House of Travel
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Australian Agents Shape Samoa’s Tourism Future

30/03/2012 12:00:00 a.m.

They were joined by their contemporaries from New Zealand and Europe.

The roadshow opened with a ceremonial welcome that consisted of traditional songs and dancing as well as the spectacular Siva Afi or Fire Knife dance as well as a Tatau (tattoo) demonstration from the locals at the Samoa Tourism Authority fale.

Opening the roadshow with his speech, The Hon Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi shared his futuristic vision of the tourism industry in Samoa, stressing the importance for tourism operators to embrace new technology and to ride the wave of the future with his message of working "on target, online and on time."

Agents then moved on to the newly opened Conference Centre for the Fa’a Samoa Roadshow where the Australians met the property managers and tourism operators to discuss current contracts and sign up new ones.

Attendees received property updates, were introduced to new properties and accommodation options and met with property managers both on the islands of Upolu and Savai’i.

Attendees received property updates, were introduced to new properties and accommodation options and met with property managers both on the islands of Upolu and Savai’i. A total of 30 tourism operators were on show, from waterfront resorts to the traditional Samoan fales dotted along the coast as well as car rental companies and in-bound tourist operators.

Adele Leathan, from Samoa Tourism Authority Australia says that while Samoa has much to offer all markets, a focused approach on niches is the easiest way to get visitor numbers up in a short period of time.

“We wanted to empower our agents and product managers with the necessary tools to sell Samoa – that our island home is more than just a ‘flop and drop’ destination.

“Our agents saw firsthand Samoa’s newly opened Conference Centre in Apia for the MICE market, the state of the art sporting facilities ideal for training tours, experienced fishing and diving tours, inspected amenities for water sports,golf as well as picture perfect locations for weddings and honeymoons,” says Adele.

The agents also experienced the various nature related activities that Samoa has to offer.

“We took them to the Papasee’a Sliding Rocks, the picturesque To Sua Trench and the magnificent Taga Blowholes in Savaii. We also took the agents to go swimming with the turtles – and I can guarantee that all our guests will be going home with memories to last a lifetime and hopefully some fire in their bellies to sell Samoa to their clients” says Adele.
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New resort for Samoa

27/03/2012 12:00:00 a.m.

Source: Promag
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Good manners and an adventurous spirit make for great holiday in Samoa

24/03/2012 12:00:00 a.m.

Lauiula Beach Fales, on Savaii, offer mattresses, communal facilities and a reef just metres away. Right: Robert Louis Stevenson Museum where the Scottish author lived his final years.

Lauiula Beach Fales, on Savaii, offer mattresses, communal facilities and a reef just metres away. Right: Robert Louis Stevenson Museum where the Scottish author lived his final years.

TO get the most out of your holiday to Samoa, take your spirit of adventure.

Resorts, some rebuilt after a devastating tsunami in 2009, are waiting to pamper you in their beachside spas, but also get out and about for a richer experience.

Some people who lament the decline of good manners in modern society might find the gracious people, who answer every thank you with a “you’re welcome”, as reason enough to flock to the Pacific Island nation.

Once there, how about a hike up the mountain trail from Robert Louis Stevenson Museum to see the tomb of the famous Scottish author, climb the rainforest canopy walkway or descend a 10m ladder to swim in a fresh water trench.

Surfers searching for a perfect, uncrowded wave already have Samoa on their travel plans and can arrange for a boat to take them beyond the reef.

And most definitely experience genuine Samoan hospitality by spending a night or two on a beach in a fale.

Fales (pronounced “far-lays”) are a dominant part of Samoan culture. They have no walls, just a roof, held up by sturdy poles, and a floor.

Travelling around Samoa, we saw village fales used for some classrooms, community gatherings, church groups, housing, shelter for washing and even over graves.

Some fale resorts offer accommodation with ensuites, others have communal facilities.

Some have beds, others provide a mattress on the floor, with sheets and pillows (bring a towel). All have mosquito nets which only add to the feeling of adventure. But it is so much fun and pretty cheap with dinner and breakfast often included in the charge.

Wake up each morning, stumble a metre, plunge into the warm Pacific and watch the sun rise. Swim a metre or two in crystal clear water and you’re over the reef - perfect for snorkelling - which shelters the islands from the Pacific.

The postcard-perfect islands of Samoa are a five-hour flight northeast from Sydney with Virgin Samoa.

The archipelago, consisting of 10 islands, has a definite still-waiting-to-be-discovered feel of a destination which hasn’t quite fallen to the tourist hordes.

Our tour started with a dip at the scenic Togitogiga waterfalls, and ended with a leap from a jetty at the Sinalei Reef Resort where a fresh water spring gushes into the Pacific.

On Savaii we had the chance to swim with turtles, cool off in a village sea pool, splash about in Afu Aau waterfalls and body surf on white sand beaches.

Samoa has been the location for three series of US reality show Survivor.

CAN-DO ATTITUDE INFECTIOUS
* The developing nation of Samoa has a can-do attitude.
* Samoa made world headlines at the end of 2011 when it moved the international dateline permanently moving clocks 60 minutes forward so it is now a friendly few hours ahead of * Sydney, rather than being almost a day behind us.
* In 2009 the nation changed traffic conditions overnight, moving from driving on the right side of the road to the left, like Pacific neighbours Australia and New Zealand.
* The power supply is the same as in Sydney, no need for an adaptor, just plug in your iPad, smartphone and digital camera chargers.
* An Australian dollar buys about 2.4 tala, making it a trip worth considering by the budget conscious. A stubby of the most agreeable local beer, Vailima, costs 6 tala.

Source: Northern District Times
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UB40 to celebrate Samoa's 50th Independence

18/03/2012 12:00:00 a.m.

“It was always my intention to bring UB40 to Samoa to perform for our 50th Independence celebrations this year,” says Mr Wulf, Owner of Pure Reggae.

“They have been my favourite band since as long as I can remember so it is a dream come true to be a part of this.” He admits that it has been a challenge trying to establish connections and convince the group to visit Samoa.

But Mr Wulf says he couldn’t have done it without the support of BlueSky Samoa and the 50th Independence Celebrations Committee.

Like Mr Wulf, Chairman of the Committee, Tolofuaivalelei Falemoe Leiataua, says the UB40 is his personal favourite. “I know that a lot of Samoan couples met and danced to the sounds of UB40,” says the Minister of Women, Community and Social Development. The band, Tolofua says, will only add to the festive mood and celebrations during Samoa’s Independence.

BlueSky CEO, Adolfo Montenegro says BlueSky is happy to be involved in hosting the band’s first concert in Samoa. “UB40’s music has been popular with our people throughout the years so Bluesky is proud to play a significant role in making it happen.”

The concert will be one of the first official events of the 50th Independence celebrations for Samoa. It will take place on 1 June at Apia Park and tickets are now on sale from BlueSky retail stores for $30.

For local musician, Mailo Ben Vai, this is going to be a groundbreaking event. “For most of us local musicians, UB40 have been outstanding heroes for our careers and they are a band that we all try to emulate through our music.”

He hopes Samoan musicians will make the most of the opportunity and be inspired. “This is a band that started from scratch,” he says. “UB40 actually stands for Unemployment Benefit, form 40 which they had to fill in to get their unemployment benefits.”

Mr Wulf is adamant he will try and bring more world-class musicians and entertainers to perform in Samoa. “This is something I am really passionate about; establishing this entertainment business in Samoa and hosting international artists so their Samoan fan base can get to see them live.”

Mr Wulf has already brought over Corner Stone Roots and singers King Kapisi and Che Fu. So which famous band will Mr Wulf bring next? We’ll just have to wait and see.

Source: Samoa Observer
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Zita's Simply Oarsome

12/03/2012 12:00:00 a.m.

SOMETIMES the best man for the job is a woman. And that certainly applies to Samoan long boat racing where Zita Martel rules the ocean.

The director of inbound tourism operator Polynesian Xplorer and matai (chief) is a human dynamo in business, church and village life but the male-dominated sport is her passion.

"It's an absolute passion - an addiction," she said in the lead-up to the annual Teuila Festival Fautasi Challenge last September.

The fit-looking 50-year-old remains the only woman in the sport - the rose among the thorns - but her record speaks for itself.

"I'm the pain in the side of all the skippers," she said.

And only a fool would take the first and only female long boat captain in Samoa lightly.

The wife and mother of four boys, who is also honorary consul of France for Samoa, came into the sport by accident.

Her church in Siusega village on Upolu Island had built a boat but had no skipper and was floundering.

Tuilaepa Lupesoliai Sailele Malielegaoi - chairman of Zita's church and now Samoan Prime Minister - nominated her, she thought, as a joke because it is a traditional sport for men.

Sure, she had rowed while a student in New Zealand's Canterbury University where she met her husband Francois 27 years ago.

She had even tried her hand at outrigger canoeing, windsurfing and sailing in New Zealand and the Caribbean. But this was completely different.

She had never set foot in a long boat but you get the feeling she has never backed away from a challenge. And this was no different.

As skipper, her job is to stand and steer at the stern, with the drummer sitting at the bow at eye level, setting the pace of the oar strokes according to her instructions throughout each race, which is like chess in strategy.

Up to 45 people, including the skipper, drummer and oarsmen can man the 90ft (27m) long boats which generally cover a five-mile (8km) course and can reach up to 12 knots.

Samoa takes its long boat racing seriously, hosting two races a year: The Independence Day race on June 1 and Teuila Festival race each September.

Up to 80 people in each village can train for two to three months in the lead-up to the races before a final crew is selected.

Perhaps Zita's proudest moment came in 2010 in Samoa - a challenge race with a longboat from American Samoa after she and her crew from Don Bosco Technical Centre won there in 2006.

Her timber boat, built in 2002 inside a church hall at a cost of about $A25,000, was up against a state-of-the-art, carbon-fibre boat at a cost of about US$350,000 and boasting sliding seats, pumps, and dagger board.

Despite heavy betting that the sleek American longboat would win the race in the flat waters of Apia's lagoon, Zita's wooden longboat still won against all odds.

The unmistakable bright green and yellow boat - the colours of the segavao bush bird found around her village - was the one to beat at the 2011 Teuila Festival.

As it turned out, Zita was unable to compete as the race clashed with the Pacific Games being held in New Caledonia, where she was competing as a compound archer and came home with one gold and one bronze medal.

For the first time, the Teuila Festival race was to include a turn and in the end, the Digicel Segavao II Don Bosco longboat was put on the rocks at Mulinu'u Peninsula by another longboat and couldn't finish the race. Savaii came from behind in a thrilling finish to win the day from the eight teams competing and the 22,000 tala ($A9300) prizemoney.

But I'm willing to bet that won't be the last anyone hears of Zita Martel: longboat captain extraordinaire.

Good to Know
Three airlines fly to Samoa weekly out of Brisbane and Sydney: Air Pacific, Air New Zealand and Virgin Samoa.

See your travel agent for details.

Up to 80 people in each village can train for up to two months in the lead-up to the races before a final crew is selected.

Source: Fraser Coast Chronicle
Image Credit: www.bbco.uk
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