Wednesday 3 December 2014

Celebrate the 120th Anniversary of Robert Louis Stevenson’s death


Today, 3 December 2014 marks the 120th anniversary of celebrated Scottish author Robert Louis Stevenson’s death – he died in Samoa and is buried at the top of Mount Vaea near Apia.

Robert Louis Stevenson


Robert Louis Stevenson is best known for his works Treasure Island and Dr. Jekyll and Mr Hyde. Stevenson lived in Samoa from 1889 until his death in 1894, living in Samoa and travelling the South Pacific inspired him to write further works including The Wrecker (1892), Island Nights' Entertainments (1893), The Ebb-Tide (1894) and In the South Seas (1896). These works are said to be more powerful than his earlier works as he included more of the everyday world in the stories, bringing him lasting fame. Robert Louis Stevenson loved Samoa and was loved by the Samoan people who named him Tusitala – ‘writer of tales’. 

To celebrate the occasion the Samoa Tourism Authority in conjunction with Polynesian Xplorer have put together two tours for travellers to experience the Treasured Islands for themselves:

5 nights twin share at the Tanoa Tusitala hotel costs from £336.50 per person includes 5 nights in a deluxe room, airport transfers, a half day Apia Experience (including entry to the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum).

5 nights twin share at the Orator Hotel costs from £231.50 per person and includes 5 nights in a standard villa, airport transfers, a half day Apia Experience (including entry to the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum).

For more information on Samoa see www.samoa.travel


*Offers subject to availability and please check with supplier for other terms and conditions

Wednesday 19 November 2014

Manu Samoa takes to Twickenham this Saturday

With only three days until England and Samoa take to the pitch at Twickenham, both teams are gearing up for what will be the fourth match between the two sides at Twickenham and the first match since 2010.

Manu Samoa’s match with England is their last fixture of their European tour and the match is highly anticipated with both teams being both highly ranked and regarded for their fierce determination and presence on the field.

The Samoa Tourism Authority ran a business card draw at World Travel Market 2014 to win two tickets to the match and lucky winner Gareth Morgan from Edwin Doran will be in the stands this Saturday to witness the two teams battle it out.


The match this November precedes a historic test match taking place next July in Apia. The match will see Manu Samoa take on world champions the All Blacks ahead of the 2015 Rugby World Cup being held here in the UK next September.  

Monday 10 November 2014

Samoa Tourism Authority at WTM 2014

Samoa launches new Smart Guide app at WTM 2014
The Samoa Tourism Authority exhibited at World Travel Market 2014 with the South Pacific Tourism Organisation and launched the Samoa Smart Guide app, developed by destination management company Polynesian Xplorer.
Samoa Tourism Authority announced the re-opening of the Return to Paradise Resort (16 October 2014), and the re-opening of the first international brand hotels Starwood’s Sheraton Samoa Aggie Grey’s Resort 22 December 2014 and the Sheraton Samoa Aggie Grey’s Hotel 01 May 2015.
The Samoa Smart Guide app expertly plays the role of a local insider’s guide to Samoa; where to stay, dine, entertainment, local handicrafts and artists etc and allows you to connect to local businesses and services on the island. With no 3G or data roaming required it’s perfect for an island that is known as ‘off the GPS’!
Visitors to the stand entered a business card draw to win two rugby tickets to the QBE International England vs Samoa match at Twickenham (the sport is Samoa’s second religion!) and the lucky winner was Gareth Morgan from Edwin Doran Sports Tours.
The new Travel Trade Manager for the Samoa Tourism Authority UK and Europe, Davina Took, participated in WTM as an exhibitor for the first time having visited in the past as a buyer with former employer Cleveland Travel Group.
New Travel Trade Manager Davina Took at the Samoa stand with Liz Martin, Product Manager at Destinology.

Business card prize draw for two tickets to the QBE Intertaional England vs Samoa match at Twickenham this November.

Friday 31 October 2014

Samoa Highlights New 'Samoa Smart Guide' App And Opening Of New Resorts At 2014 World Travel Market Stand AS265 - And Agents Can Win Tickets To The Rugby!

The Samoa Tourism Authority will be exhibiting at World Travel Market 2014 with the South Pacific Tourism Organisation and will be promoting the launch of the Samoa Smart Guide app by destination management company Polynesian Xplorer, the re-opening of the Return to Paradise Resort (16 October 2014), Sheraton Samoa Aggie Grey’s Resort (22 December 2014) and the Sheraton Samoa Aggie Grey’s Hotel (01 May 2015).

Samoa Smart Guide App
The Samoa Smart Guide app expertly plays the role of local insider’s guide to Samoa; where to stay, dine, entertainment, local handicrafts and artists etc and allows you to connect to local businesses and services on the island. With no 3G or data roaming required it’s perfect for an island that is known as ‘off the GPS’!

Newly opened Return to Paradise Resort is located on a beach in the Matautu-Lefaga village that even the Samoans call special. In addition to its 61 rooms on offer, white sandy beaches and mineral pools, the resort is proudly 100% Samoan owned and operated. Every penny spent at the resort is creating jobs and helping develop local economies across the island.

The refurbished ‘Aggie Grey’s Resort’ is set to re-open this December as a Starwood Hotel situated along a 100-metre white sand beach, just a five-minute drive from Faleolo International Airport. Modern and spacious, the rooms will open out onto ground floor or first floor balconies with stunning scenes of the Pacific Ocean. The hotel will offer both rest and relaxation at the Manaia Polynesian spa and action out on the water with complimentary use of sea kayaks.

Manu Samoa
Samoa Tourism Authority representatives will also use WTM as an opportunity to highlight significant anniversaries, celebrations and upcoming events for the country. As a nation that treats rugby like a second religion, excitement is already building as the world champion All Blacks will play a historic test match in July 2015 as the two nations play in Samoa for the first time. Looking at the tail end of 2014, the national rugby team Manu Samoa will make their way to the UK to play England at Twickenham on 22 November - agents and tour operators should visit the stand for a chance to win two tickets! On 03 December, it will be the 120th anniversary of famous storyteller Robert Louis Stevenson’s death, in Vailima Samoa, where he lived during the last years of his life and is buried.



Product/Contract/Sales managers can also visit the stand to put in an application for a place on the upcoming Samoa Tourism Exchange, 11 – 15 May 2015. The exchange will include a fully-hosted FAM Trip with return flights and tickets to the Samoa Tourism Exchange Roadshow. 

Tuesday 26 August 2014

Samoa's Untouched Beauty Provides A Breathtaking Backdrop For Nuptials And Newlyweds





SAMOA’S UNTOUCHED BEAUTY PROVIDES A BREATHTAKING BACKDROP FOR NUPTIALS AND NEWLYWEDS


As dawn breaks on the morning of ‘the big day’, couples can be the first in the world to marry on their chosen date as Samoa is the first country to see the sun rise. The group of islands are fast becoming a popular destination for couples to tie the knot and newlyweds to begin their new adventure together.

Many hotels, resorts and tour operators offer wedding and honeymoon packages with in-house wedding coordinators to ensure smooth planning of the big day. They will also be able to assist with the application forms for a marriage license which must be filed fourteen days prior to the wedding with the Justice Department in Apia. Whether it is a traditional, formal service in a church or a more informal location by a cascading waterfall, Samoa’s breathtaking scenery will provide a picture perfect backdrop for one of the most memorable days in a person’s life.

Newlyweds looking for a honeymoon hideaway can live the life of luxury with a stay in a luxury villa or the honeymoon villa at the Seabreeze Resort, voted one of the Top Ten Hotels for Romance in the South Pacific by the 2013 Trip Advisor Travellers Choice Awards. Relax, dine and indulge whilst lazing on a hammock soaking up the sun or watching the starry skies. The newly opened Saletoga Sands Resort & Spa continues the theme of relaxation with a stunning boutique retreat that oozes luxury and comfort as couples can unwind with sublime spa treatments.

Samoa’s rich cultural heritage can be explored through the Museum of Samoa, the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum and the Apia Fish Market. For those that like to live a bit more of an active lifestyle, soft adventure activities range from snorkelling through the coral reefs to the rainforest canopy walkway along a hang bridge on the island of Savaii and the Falease’ela River Walk through Samoa’s pristine natural environment. Couples can also embark on their own road-trip, hiring a car and exploring the different islands at their own pace.


The Treasured Islands of the South Pacific and the true heart of Polynesia; the islands of Samoa are a paradise waiting to be explored and possess the ideal attraction for every type of wedding and honeymoon. Whether it’s an island hopping adventure, tranquil beach paradise or a once in a lifetime trip, a celebration of love and unity may well end with falling in love with Samoa itself.

Monday 4 August 2014

SAMOA’S ANNUAL TEUILA FESTIVAL, 25 AUGUST – 06 SEPTEMBER 2014, IN ITS 24th YEAR


A true celebration of Samoan and Polynesian culture, the Teuila Festival is an annual event now in its 24th year, with many activities and shows being held across the country, particularly in Apia, Samoa’s capital city. The festival is named after the bright red teuila flower, the national flower of Samoa and is frequently seen around the islands. This year’s festival will be running from 25 August to 06 September. Visitors will experience Samoan dance, arts, gastronomy and even traditional tattooing. www.teuilafestivalsamoa.com.


Every year thousands pour into the capital to witness the extravanganza that is the Opening Ceremony, held this year on 01 September. The opening is a proud display of Samoan culture with a floral parade, the Siva Afi fire knife dancers and native music setting the scene for a further five days of festival fun.  Another spectacular display is the Chief’s Fiafia show, where iconic dances and entertainment represent the cultural heritage of different South Pacific Islands.

The Festival has much in store for those who like to dabble in the creative side of things, with arts and crafts fairs providing the opportunity to partake in traditional weaving lessons, wood carving and cocktail competitions, which take place every day at the Samoa Cultural Village. Visitors can also see the long-established art of tattooing the Samoan way, a skill that has been passed down from generation to generation to create distinctive warrior-like designs. Food lovers will find their calling among the many food stalls serving up Samoa’s local specialities and a traditional Umu demonstration on the Wednesday will see food served from an underground oven to feed the crowds.


There are many other activities and events taking place throughout the week including the fautasi, traditional Samoan long-boat, regatta, the Best of Samoa show, Miss Samoa Pageant and the Scotsman’s Trail (a land and water based challenge where participants will traverse the island). On the last day as the festival draws to a close, visitors are encouraged to come to the official prize giving ceremony to honour all those who have participated over the week. For more information on Samoa and the Teuila Festival, visit www.samoa.travel.

Tuesday 29 July 2014

SALETOGA SANDS RESORT CAN VALIDATE DRIVER’S LICENSES FOR HIRE CARS IN SAMOA

Saletoga Sands Resort & Spa has been officially recognised as an authorised LTA location and is the only location on the South East coast of Upolu.  To drive in Samoa, visitors need to validate their foreign driver’s license at the Land Transport Authority. Cost for validation is ST$20. www.saletogasands.ws

Previously guests needed to travel over one hour across the island just to validate their licenses before hiring a rental car, now Saletoga Sands Resort & Spa has made it easy.  “There is so much to discover right on our doorstep,” said Gavin Brightwell owner of Saletoga Sands Resort, “including the unique To Sua Trench and world famous Lalomanu beach.  Our well maintained Rav4 rental vehicles allow guests the freedom to discover Samoa’s natural attractions at their leisure.”

Saletoga Sands Resort & Spa combines luxury and comfort with the natural splendour of the beautiful island of Upolu, Samoa.  A stunning boutique retreat surrounded by exotic tropical flowers and lush greenery, Saletoga Sands Resort is nestled within a secluded sheltered bay just over one hour’s drive from Faleolo International Airport on the South East Coast of Upolu. Relax and rejuvenate in the beauty of Saletoga Sands Resort & Spa and create special memories to last a lifetime.


Take advantage of Saletoga Sands’ Discover Samoa special and Stay 5 nights only pay for 4 or Stay 7 nights only pay for 5 plus receive a WST$100 resort credit.  Valid for sales until 30 Sept 2014 & travel until 31 March 2015. www.samoa.travel.

Tuesday 24 June 2014

THE NEWLY LAUNCHED SAMOA SMART GUIDE APP IS EXCELLENT FOR TRAVELLERS DISCOVERING THE TREASURED ISLANDS

Developed by Polynesian Xplorer, the Samoan Tourism Authority is excited for the launch of the brand new Samoa Smart Guide app aimed at offering visitors to Samoa an easy and user-friendly way to plan their trip and discover the sites whilst they explore the Treasured Islands of the South Pacific.

The app aims to be a complete local insider’s guide to Samoa with details on where to stay and dine, information on the best sights of Samoa, entertainment, wellness, organic gardens and plantations, the best roadside barbecues and local cuisine, handicrafts and local artists, as well as government and visitor services in Samoa.

Taga Blow Holes
With the “Favourites” and “Around Me” options, visitors can easily create and amend their itinerary (another clever feature of the app) and discover hidden sites and attractions through the eyes of the locals. Whether users are looking for action and adventure activities, natural wonders, cultural activities or simply just the best beaches, the app can filter search results through a number of categories including: bays, beaches, churches, galleries, islands, landmarks, museums, reserves & natural parks, rivers & streams and sightseeing & nature.

Some of the top recommended sites include the Taga Blowholes, a natural wonder formed by the sheer pressure of the sea forcing its way up through the lava fields. On days when the conditions are right the water can be propelled up to 30m into the air showcasing the power of nature at its most impressive.

The Afu A’au waterfall is another must-see recommendation. This idyllic lagoon is situated on the island of Savai’i and offers fantastic scenery and cool waters to escape from the Samoan heat. A top picnic spot, with its turquoise waters and lush greenery the waterfall is a real paradise hideaway. For visitors who stay on the main island of Upolu the To Sua Trench is a must-visit as one of the iconic images of the destination. The natural ocean trench is reached by a ladder descending down into the depths and is one of the most-breathtaking experiences in Samoa.

To Sua Trench
For culture vultures the app has information on activities including the Robert Louis Stevenson museum which is located in the renovated home of the author, built after he visited and fell in love with the destination. In addition to numerous impressive and beautifully constructed churches there is also the Museum of Samoa which contains a striking collection of artefacts and historical images pertaining to Samoa's rich culture and dynamic history.

Samoa is a destination for adventurers and the app can also advise visitors on the best places to get that adventure thrill, be it from hiking up volcanos, kayaking between islands, trekking through the rainforest, taking part in the canopy walk, swimming with turtles or biking around the islands. At the end of the day after all that action it can even recommend the best beaches and spas to kick back, unwind and make the most of the Fa’a Samoa.

The app is available on Google Play and on the iTunes app store and can be downloaded on most iPhones and Android devices:




For more information on activities in Samoa, visit www.samoa.travel

Friday 6 June 2014

Samoa’s Business Increases from the European Travel Trade Following its Samoa Tourism Exchange 2014

The Samoa Tourism Authority is already reaping the benefits of the 2014 Samoa Tourism Exchange (STE) and Familiarisation Trip aimed to promote the South Pacific dream destination to key contacts of the European travel trade.

Commenting on his recent journey to Samoa, Jamie Anthony, Sales Manager, Edwin Doran Sports said: “The fam trip to Samoa offered me a chance to experience a country that has all the wonder and beauty one could need. When I returned to tell clients of stories of my experiences they were able to see that twinkle in my eye and know the passion I now have for the country after our visit.”

Other UK participants on the trip were Kaye Rankin, Allways Tailor Made; Céline Fortin, the Natural Travel Collection and Malcolm James, Transpacific Holidays. Ursula Erne from Switzerland’s Ozeania Reisen, Hein Davelaar from the Netherland’s QAS Holidays and Nicole Piskurek from Germany’s Pacific Travel House also took part in the familiarisation tour.

Apart from the workshop, the itinerary covered Samoa’s best attractions giving the participants an overview of all Samoa has to offer. Highlights of the trip included a tour of Samoa’s renowned natural sites and insight into local cultural traditions, arts and crafts and of course the island’s tantalising South Pacific cuisine. Participants also got the opportunity to do site inspections covering a wide range of properties from traditional beach fales to upmarket four-star hotels.

Alison Cryer, UK and Europe Director, Samoa Tourism Authority commented: “nothing beats first-hand experience when it comes to programming and selling a destination and we feel this is an incremental part of further promoting Samoa”. She added: “this annual event, the STE, is a two-day annual workshop allowing international agents and operators to meet with many local suppliers in a short space of time and discuss future business opportunities”.
Many of the participants have since been in contact to say that they have experienced increased bookings to Samoa thanks to their improved product knowledge and ability to sell the destination. Ozeania Reisen will also be sending out a full newsletter on Samoa shortly following the trip.
For more information on travel trade opportunities in UK and Europe, contact Cindy Landlust, UK and Europe Sales Manager at samoa@representationplus.co.uk or call + 44 (0) 20 8877 4502.

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For Media Enquiries Please Contact:
Anna Wolstenholme
Tel: +44 208 877 4511
E-mail: anna@representationplus.co.uk
www.representationplus.co.uk

Notes to Editors:
Pictures available on request


Samoa
The Treasured Islands of the South Pacific are the true heart of Polynesia and Samoa is one of the first places in the world to see the sunrise. Ten islands of stunning wild beauty, five only of which are inhabited, Samoa - or The Independent State of Samoa as it is formally 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. Former home and resting place of Robert Louis Stevenson, also known as ‘Tusitala’. Samoa is less than four hours from Auckland and approximately five hours from Sydney and Brisbane on Virgin Samoa flights on www.virginaustralia.com. www.samoa.travel  

Friday 25 April 2014

EXPERIENCE A TASTE OF ALL THINGS SAMOAN AT ‘PACIFIC VOICES LONDON’ RAISING MONEY FOR PACIFIC CULTURAL ARTS PROJECTS ON 19 MAY 2014

The Gafa Arts Collective (GAC) is back and they are excited to announce that they will be pooling a number of celebrated Pacific, New Zealand and Australian talents such as Ben Makisi and Aivale Cole for one night only for a fundraising concert, Pacific Voices London, taking place 19 May 2014 at 7pm at Chelsea Old Town Hall. The concert will provide a unique mix of traditional opera with more contemporary Pacific arts, a must-see for culture vultures and music lovers, with money raised going towards future Pacific cultural arts projects. Tickets are available at www.gafasamoa.com.

The GAC is excited to showcase the amazing talents of Tongan Tenor, Ben Makisi, who will be making a guest appearance at this fundraising concert. He will be joined by the likes of Samoan soprano, Aivale Cole, aligning operatic favourites such as Nessun Dorma and O mio babbino with an interesting programme of contemporary Samoan and Pacific music, poetry and culture.

“It is a real coup to have Ben and Aivale on the same stage and along with the other GAC luminaries, Londoners are in for a real treat”, says Creative Director and Tenor Sani Muliaumaseali’i who will also be lending his talent to the evenings proceedings.

Other artists who will be joining the collective on the night include GAC newcomer contemporary Samoan poet, Courtney Sina Meredith, who has already been making waves in the art world and will be reciting some of her works alongside Pacific artist and GAC associate director, Rosanna Raymond. Innovative New Zealand composer, Simon Eastwood, and Australians Louise Callinan (mezzo soprano) plus accompanist Kathryn Bolitho will also be joining the GAC in full support of the cause.

Specific causes that will benefit from the event will include the promotion and development of Samoan and Pacific Art, artists, language and culture in the UK, including the GAC London School of Samoan Language, a new initiative which is being implemented in April 2014. The GAC was founded in 2011 by Creative Director and Tenor Sani Muliaumaseali’i and has been actively promoting the talents of Samoa and the Pacific ever since with regular events held across the UK.

For more information on the event visit www.gafasamoa.com and for further information on Samoa as a destination visit www.samoa.travel.
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For more information on the event please contact:
Gafa Arts Collective
Olaminas Jones 
Tel: +44 7939 719 151
E-mail
: gafa@gafasamoa.com   

For Media Enquiries Please Contact:
Anna Wolstenholme
Tel: +44 208 877 4511

Notes to Editors:
Pacific Voices London is presented by the GAFA Arts Collective
Date & Time: Monday 19 May 2014, at 7.00 pm
Venue: Chelsea Old Town Hall, King's Road, Kensington and Chelsea, London, SW3 5EE.
Tickets
: £30, £20, £15 (concession) available from: www.gafasamoa.com   

Samoa
The Treasured Islands of the South Pacific are the true heart of Polynesia and Samoa is one of the first places in the world to see the sunrise. Ten islands of stunning wild beauty, five only of which are inhabited, Samoa - or The Independent State of Samoa as it is formally 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. Former home and resting place of Robert Louis Stevenson, also known as ‘Tusitala’. Samoa is less than four hours from Auckland and approximately five hours from Sydney and Brisbane on Virgin Samoa flights on www.virginaustralia.com. www.samoa.travel  



Friday 14 March 2014

SAMOA TOURISM EXCHANGE 01–04 APRIL 2014 – ‘HOLIDAY THE SAMOAN WAY’


 On 1 April 2014, the two-day Samoa Tourism Exchange (STE) will bring tourism stakeholders and buyers together to discuss important topics and tools relating to tourism development, sales and marketing. The exhibition will provide a networking opportunity for buyers, to access multiple suppliers, whilst expanding their industry and market knowledge. The exchange will be opened by the Honourable Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi and a showcase of Samoa’s customs and entertainment to experience the true Fa’a Samoa.

The key national tourism event captures a global market as influential travel trade and media representatives from New Zealand, Australia, USA, UK, Europe, China, South Korea and American Samoa, with an interest in Samoa tourism products will attend. Key features of the event include the buyer/seller exhibition, product inspections and tours and activities around two of Samoa’s largest islands: Upolu and Savaii.

An addition to the event for 2014, is the introduction of themed product inspections which will cater to the needs of travel trade representatives and suppliers. ‘Romance’ will explore properties and venues for the weddings and honeymoon market, ‘The Great Samoan Road Trip’ will cater for the adventure market, featuring beach fales and backpacker/dorm-style accommodation, while the ‘Mainstream’ theme will identify a broader range of products and activities suitable for couples and families.

Not only will the event be a fantastic opportunity for members of the travel trade and media to come together and expand their knowledge of the destination, home and resting place of Robert Louis Stevenson, but it will also allow participants to discover the islands’ paradise beaches, volcanic mountains, rainforests and blow holes and witness first-hand what makes Samoa such an idyllic and popular destination.

To book your place on the exchange, visit www.samoatourismexchange.ws
For more information on events in Samoa, visit www.samoa.travel


Monday 24 February 2014

SEABREEZE RESORT, SAMOA IS VOTED ONE OF THE TOP 25 RESORTS FOR ROMANCE IN THE SOUTH PACIFIC


Congratulations are in order for the boutique, adults only Seabreeze Resort, Samoa which has been voted one of the Top 25 resorts in the South Pacific for Romance in the 2014 Travellers' Choice Awards, based on millions of reviews and opinions from TripAdvisor travellers.

British Seabreeze Resort owner, Wendy Booth said they were thrilled to be voted by their guests as one of the top 25 resorts in the South Pacific for Romance.

The team at Seabreeze are so proud that our guests have rated our resort so highly and see it as a truly romantic getaway.  We believe at Seabreeze that good experiences are essential to a memorable occasion, and we all continuously strive to provide the best product, service and romantic experience possible. To have this recognised is just an amazing achievement.”

Romance is intrinsic to the spirit of the resort which provides guests with secluded, boutique luxury on the south east coast of the island of Upolu. The resort is ideal for honeymooners and those looking for a romantic getaway.

Samoa is already established as an idyllic “off the beaten track” wedding and honeymoon destination and offers loved up couples a wide variety of options to make a holiday Samoa one they will never forget.

With its endless white sandy beaches, clear turquoise waters and lush green rainforests the treasured islands of the South Pacific are a paradise waiting to be explored. With relaxing spa treatments, lazy boat rides around the islands and restaurants serving only the freshest produce those who want to just kick back and get away from it all will be able to unwind in the sun.

Those who like a little more adventure should hire a car and explore the two main islands at their own pace: activities range from swimming with turtles to the rainforest canopy walkway along a hanging bridge on the island of Savaii, to the Falease’ela River Walk through Samoa’s pristine natural environment or a scenic inland drive along the Le Mafa Pass on the island of Upolu.  Or they could venture over to Tutuila and stay in a beach Fale on this remote island.

For more information on romance, weddings and honeymoons in Samoa, visit www.samoa.travel

                                                                                       
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For more information please contact:
Samoa Tourism Authority
Cindy Landlust/Anna Wolstenholme
Tel: +44 208 877 4502/511

Notes to editors:
Samoa
The Treasured Islands of the South Pacific are the true heart of Polynesia and Samoa is one of the first places in the world to see the sunrise. Ten islands of stunning wild beauty, three only of which are inhabited, 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. Former home and resting place of Robert Louis Stevenson, also known as ‘Tusitala’. Samoa is only four hours from Auckland and less than six hours hours from Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne on Virgin Samoa flights on www.virginaustralia.com


Annual traditional events include the world renowned Teuila Festival (Tattoo), 31 August 2014.

Tuesday 28 January 2014

SAMOA SHOWCASES ITS ADVENTURE ACTIVITIES FOR THE FIRST TIME AT THE ADVENTURE TRAVEL SHOW

The Samoa Tourism Authority was excited to exhibit this weekend on stand E13 at the 2014 Adventure Travel Show for the first time, the only show in the UK dedicated to discovering the world off the beaten track. The treasured islands of the South Pacific are a must on the agenda of any true adrenaline fuelled adventure junky with a plethora of land and water based activities set to the beautiful backdrop of turquoise waters and green Samoan jungle. Activities range from surfing, diving and fishing to hiking around a volcanic rim. Samoa is just a short four hour flight from Auckland, New Zealand and five hours from Sydney, Australia.

For those who love to be out on the water and living the beach bum lifestyle, Samoa is regularly mentioned as one of the world’s best surf destinations. With surf competitions and local guides who know where to catch the best waves, the south shores of both islands, Upolu and Savai’i, are a surfers year round paradise while the North Shores are best in the northern hemisphere winter. Instead of competing for the scarce waves on Hawaii’s North Shore, Samoa invites surfers to discover the same swells which often find themselves reeling along many of Samoa’s reefs unridden.

Samoa is also a perfect destination for snorkelers and divers with a wealth of marine life from brightly coloured fish to turtles on the coral reef just a short boat ride from the shore. Visitors have the opportunity to swim amongst breath-taking giant clams at a sanctuary dedicated to their preservation. For divers, there are numerous locations across both islands that offer diving lessons and PADI courses from beginner to dive master in addition to other water sports such as catamaran tours, water skiing, wake boarding and other fun rides. Visitors can also watch and even join in with the local fautasi (long boat races) which regularly take place between Samoans and other Pacific Islands.

For a true Samoan beach front experience, relax in paradise in one of Samoa’s beach fales. With prices starting from just £20 a night for these traditional houses, visitors will have the unique experience of falling asleep under the stars to the sound of the Pacific Ocean’s lapping waves just metres away with nothing more than a mosquito net and woven read blinds to separate them from paradise outside.

Keen fishermen have several different avenues for getting their fishing kicks in Samoa. Visitors can either join one of the professional fishing operators and charters based in Apia and head to sea for a few hours, or opt for an adventurous charter to a secluded destination and one of the uninhabited island reserves, which involves living on a boat for a while. A useful point of contact is the Samoa International Game Fishing Association, in Apia Harbour, and there’s the annual Samoa International Game Fishing Tournament, which draws avid fishermen from all over the world each May. www.sigfa.ws 

Hiking is an excellent activity for those who prefer to keep their feet on dry land with numerous hidden trails winding through the Samoan rainforest, often so remote that only the most experienced guides can locate them. Visitors can hike up mountains on the island of Upolu and trek round the Tafua volcano rim on Savai’i. Nature lovers are advised to bring their cameras in case they catch a glimpse of the extraordinary flying foxes as they swoop through the crater. Hikers will also come across a number of Samoa’s beautiful waterfalls and pools along the way, perfect for a dip to cool off from the South Pacific heat.

Samoa is also fast making a name for itself as the sporting capital of the south pacific. Namely the destination is known for its rugby and the national sport of kilikiti, the Samoan version of cricket which involves singing and dancing and is a social event played by all members of the family. The destination hosts a number of exciting sporting events throughout the year that are perfect for adventure travellers. Events include the Vailima Marist Samoa 7s taking place on 21 February 2014 and the third annual Samoa Swim Series 2014 which offers three swims in three days as well as the Pacific Open Water Challenge taking place 31 July – 2 August 2014. Similarly, the Samoa Half Iron will be taking place 16 August 2014 allowing participants to battle it out for the title of victor in this gruelling triathlon.

For more information, visit www.samoa.travel

-Ends-



For more information please contact:
Samoa Tourism Authority
Alison Cryer/Anna Wolstenholme
Tel: +44 208 877 4508/511
E-mail: anna@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 and Samoa is one of the first places in the world to see the sunrise. 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.