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  

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

E-mail: anna@representationplus.co.uk

www.representationplus.co.uk

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  

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

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

E-mail: cindy@representationplus.co.uk/ anna@representationplus.co.uk

Visit: www.samoa.travel

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.

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

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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.

CINDY LANDLUST TO HEAD UP TRAVEL TRADE SALES & MARKETING FOR SAMOA IN THE UK & EUROPE

Samoa Tourism Authority is delighted to announce the appointment of Cindy Landlust, formerly of VisitBritain, as the UK and Europe Travel Trade Manager for Samoa.

Cindy is Dutch with six years’ experience in the travel industry. Her extensive knowledge and experience includes product management, e-commerce and account management.

Furthermore Cindy has hands on experience of the cruise industry, acquired during her time as Business Development Manager working closely with all departments in Sales and Business Management at NCL. Prior to this Cindy worked for Thomas Cook in Germany and gained a solid understanding of the hotel business.

Cindy joined in time for WTM and has since visited Belgium, “Although known for its’ rugby, Samoa aims to establish itself as the “must see” destination it merits on any round the world or down under holiday. I look forward to continuing the ground work undertaken to date working with tour operators across the UK and Europe.” Commented Landlust.

                           

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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.

Samoa Celebrates The 2014 Commonwealth Games By Welcoming The Queen's Baton Relay On 22 November 2013

  

On 22 November 2013 Samoa will be welcoming the Queen’s Baton Relay as part of the prelude to the Commonwealth Games taking place in Glasgow in 2014. The relay is a much loved tradition of the Commonwealth Games and symbolises the coming together of all Commonwealth nations and territories in preparation for the four-yearly festival of sport and culture.

Samoa made its Commonwealth Games debut in 1974 and has only missed one since, winning medals in both boxing and weightlifting. To celebrate the arrival of the Queen’s Baton, Samoa will be showcasing the destination’s eclectic mix of art, culture, tradition, gastronomy and sport that constitutes the Fa’a Samoa – the Samoan way of life.

Samoa is fast becoming the sports capital of the South Pacific. Rugby is almost a second religion for Samoans and with traditional sports such as Kilikiti – Samoan cricket – and a variety of other sporting activities such as game fishing tournaments, fautasi long boat racing, the Samoa Half-Iron long distance triathlon and the Samoa Swim Series.

Celebrations will also involve a feast, known as an umu, cooked the traditional Samoan way in an earth oven heated with hot stones. The food is prepared and placed amongst the hot stones and covered with banana leaves to seal in the heat. Visitors are advised to try the delicacies on the Samoan menu including palusami (young taro leaves baked in coconut cream) and oka, (raw fish in coconut cream). 

Over a period of 288 days the baton will visit 70 nations and territories, cover 190,000 kilometres and involve a third of the world's population, making it the world's most engaging relay.

On 9 October 2013 the Queen's Baton Relay was launched at Buckingham Palace, at a ceremony where Her Majesty The Queen placed Her message to the Commonwealth into the baton and will conclude its journey at the Games opening ceremony in Glasgow on 23 July 2014. For more information visit www.glasgow2014.com.

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For more information please contact:

Samoa Tourism Authority

Anna Wolstenholme

Tel: +44 208 877 4511

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.

Air New Zealand operates daily flights via Los Angeles and Auckland (except Sundays). Auckland to Samoa is a short 4 hour flight time. Virgin Samoa offers direct flights from Auckland to Samoa six days a week (except Sunday) and twice a week from Sydney, plus once a week from Brisbane. Air Pacific fly direct from Fiji and once a week from Honolulu in Hawaii. The main entry point into Samoa is Falelolo International Airport, 35 kms from Apia on the island of Upolu.