English Cricket Fans Can Have A Wicket Time In Samoa This Winter

English cricket fans heading to Australia this Winter for the 2013-14 Ashes series can make the most of their trip to the region by paying a visit to Samoa, the Sporting Capital of the South Pacific. The country, a short flight away from Australia, has a rich and proud sporting history and visiting cricket fans can take in a game of Kilikiti, an alternative form of cricket played by Samoans.

Kilikiti was introduced to the Islands in the nineteenth century by visiting English missionaries and is played in villages across the country. Unlike cricket, there is no limit to a team’s size in Kilikiti and passers-by are encouraged to join in. A typical game is a multi-day community event filled with singing, dancing, and ending with a feast.

As well as sampling a flavour of Samoan sport, visitors to Samoa can also expect to witness unrivalled natural beauty, including lush green fertile valleys, tropical rainforests, rugged volcanic mountain peaks, cascading waterfalls, beautiful beaches and brilliant blue lagoons. The ten islands which make up this beautiful country each offer very distinct and different environments for visitors to explore.

Surfing, snorkeling, and swimming with turtles are just some of the aquatic activities that visitors to this water wonderland can dive into. Sporty types who prefer to stay on dry land can explore Samoa’s biggest island Savai’i on bicycle by touring the coastal roads or hiking in the vast rainforest interior. For those who just want to put their feet up and relax, Samoa is home to luxury and boutique retreats and some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. For the authentic Samoan experience, visitors can overnight in one of the many locally owned beach fale resorts and enjoy a “sleep under the stars” experience.

Samoa is a short flight from Sydney or Brisbane with Virgin Australia, making the islands an easy South Pacific add-on to a trip to Australia. www.virginaustralia.com

-ENDS-

 For more information please contact:

Samoa Tourism Authority

Tel: +44 208 877 4512

E-mail: samoa@representationplus.co.uk

Visit: www.samoa.travel

Notes to editors:

Samoa: The Treasured Islands of the South Pacific

The islands of Samoa - The Treasured Islands of the South Pacific - are the true heart of Polynesia. Ten islands of stunning wild beauty, Samoa - or Independent Samoa as it is now known so as to avoid confusion with American Samoa, is paradise waiting to be explored. From powder soft beaches, to warm tropical seas, colourful coral reefs alive with marine life. The rugged, lush interiors reveal endless wildlife, waterfalls and hiking trails.