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.

SAMOA HIGHLIGHTS LUXURY AND SUSTAINABLE TOURISM AT 2013 WORLD TRAVEL MARKET

Samoa Tourism Authority will be exhibiting at the 2013 World Travel Market on the South Pacific Tourism Organisation Stand AS265 and will actively be promoting its luxury offerings with the opening of several high-end resorts on the South Coast of Samoa's main island of Upolu. The Aga Reef Resort opened earlier this year and Coconuts Beach Club Resort & Spa unveiled six over-the-water bungalows and the reopening of SaMoana Resort have all been part of Samoa’s recent high-end opening trend. Future scheduled luxury property launches include Saletoga Sands Resort & Spa, Return to Paradise Resort and the Taumeasina Island Resort development.

Samoa Tourism Authority representatives will also use WTM as an opportunity to highlight its sustainable and eco products in particular its wealth of locally owned accommodation options such as the traditional style beach fales which are unique to Samoa. While Samoa welcomes tourism it is not over developed and the destination is keeping the ethos of a tourism development guided by a respect for the needs of its inhabitants and the environment.

Agents visiting the stand can also take part in a recently launched agent incentive allowing them to win a five night stay in Samoa including flights from Australia or New Zealand if they finalise a booking to Samoa before 31 December 2013. To enter, agents just send an email confirmation of their booking to samoa@representationplus.co.uk.

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For more information please contact:

Samoa Tourism Authority

Tel: +44 208 877 4512

E-mail: samoa@representationplus.co.uk

Visit: www.samoa.travel

VOTE FOR SEABREEZE RESORT, SAMOA TO WIN “NUMBER ONE HONEYMOON HOTEL IN THE WORLD” IN THE HITCHED BREAKTHROUGH AWARDS 2013

Seabreeze Resort, Samoa has been shortlisted in the Hitched Breakthrough Awards 2013 (www.hitched.co.uk) as one of the Top 10 favourite Honeymoon Hotels in the world.

This is further recognition of the 12 villa boutique retreat. Seabreeze was recently crowned a winner of the Top 10 Hotels for Romance in the South Pacific and Top 25 Bargain Hotels in the South Pacific by Trip Advisor in its 2013 Travellers’ Choice® awards, and overall winner for the 2013 Trip Advisers Travellers Choice Award.

Samoa is already established as an idyllic “off the beaten track” honeymoon destination. Seabreeze is located on the South Coast of Samoa’s main island, Upolu. Set in a lush, secluded, tropical cove with panoramic views out onto the turquoise Pacific Ocean.

Seabreeze are offering couples the chance to book a wedding and honeymoon to take place between 1 November 2013 and 31 March 2014 and receive their wedding ceremony free. A minimum of 6 nights’ accommodation must be booked to receive the Free Wedding Ceremony & Honeymoon Bonus Promotion. Payment 45 days prior to arrival. For more information, visit www.seabreezesamoa.com.

For those that want to marry on island, marriages in Samoa are legally recognised worldwide, with many of the hotels, resorts and tour operators offering wedding and honeymoon packages with in-house wedding coordinators. Application forms for a marriage license must be filed fourteen days prior to the wedding with the Justice Department in Apia and this can be done through a local wedding coordinator.

The authentic and unspoilt Polynesian islands of Samoa feature powder-soft beaches, warm tropical seas and fascinating coral reefs full of marine life, plus wildlife, waterfalls and lagoons. Adventure or relaxation – spas, pampering, sunbathing, hiking, cycling kayaking and snorkelling... have a little or a lot of whatever your heart desires!

Voting in the Hitched Breakthrough Awards closes on 05 November 2013 so make sure to visit www.hitched.co.uk/HBA/vote before then and show your support for Seabreeze Resort and Samoa as a world class honeymoon destination.

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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. 

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

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 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.

Cuisine, Culture and Competitions at Samoa's Annual Festival

The Teuila Festival which started yesterday and is running until the 7 September is an annual celebration of Samoa’s unique and fascinating culture with many activities and shows being held across the country, particularly in Apia, Samoa’s capital city. Founded in 1991, the festival is named after the bright red teuila flower, the national flower of Samoa and is frequently seen around the islands. www.teuilafestival.com

Each September, thousands pour into the capital city of Apia to witness the array of cultural displays that represent everything that is Samoan. The week long festival sees choir performances and dance competitions as well as the crowning of Miss Samoa. For a true taste of cultural Samoa, visitors can join the crowds in cheering on the teams at outrigger paddling regatta and witness the amazing skills of the Siva Afi fire knife dancers.

Culture vultures can take in the craft demonstrations such as wood carving, with carving competitions taking place everyday at the Samoa Cultural Village and participate in traditional weaving lessons. See the long-established art of tattooing the Samoan way, a skill that has been passed down from generation to generation to create such distinctive warrior-like designs. Food lovers will also have the opportunity to sample the cuisine with food stalls serving up Samoa’s local specialities and a traditional Samoan barbecue on hand to feed the crowds.

On the last day, visitors are encouraged to come to the official prize giving ceremony to honour all those who have participated over the week, followed by the famous Alo Paopao celebration concert and beach party. For more information on Samoa and the Teuila Festival, visit www.samoa.travel.

For more information please contact:
Samoa Tourism Authority
Tel: +44 208 877 4512
E-mail: samoa@representationplus.co.uk
Visit: www.samoa.travel

VISIT SAMOA THE ACTION CAPITAL OF THE PACIFIC THIS SUMMER AND DISCOVER YOUR INNER WARRIOR AT THE FIRST EVER SAMOA HALF IRON TRIATHLON ON 10 AUGUST 2013

Samoa is shaping up to become the Action Capital of the Pacific during the Southern Hemisphere winter months where sport-lovers can push themselves to the limit with a variety of sporting competitions, namely the inaugural ‘Samoa Half Iron Man’ Competition, on 10 August 2013 Samoa’s first long distance triathlon. Visitors are encouraged to get involved in all events and put their fitness levels to the test against the might of the Polynesians.

The Half Iron Man course runs across the main island of Upolu, a diverse landscape dotted with a lush green mountainous interior. Visitors are encouraged to come and find their inner warrior for the inaugural Samoa Half Iron triathlon. The 2km swim course will take place in Apia Harbour with the 90km ride passing through the villages to the east on the north coast of Upolu taking in some of the island’s most magnificent scenery. The 21km run is the final leg and takes in two circuits of the historic Apia Harbour. www.samoahalfironman.com

The event is the pinnacle of Samoa’s sporting summer calendar of ocean swims and multisport races. The Triathlon series is already well underway in Samoa with its fourth race taking place on 22 June 2013 providing a perfect warm up to the upcoming Samoa Half Iron Man. The Triathlon features both a long and sprint course, with the fifth race taking place on 20 July 2013 featuring an Olympic distance event with a 1km swim, 30km bike ride and a 4km run. In addition to the adult events, there is also the Tamatoa Kids Triathlon for budding athletes.

The Samoa Swim series 2013 is another perfect way to limber up muscles with some last minute training. The event runs from 31 July until 02 August 2013 and features three great swims in three days. Over this time, swimmers will cross the clear deep waters of the South Coast Tafatafa Lagoon, through the fish and coral at Falefa Falls with the final leg across the Mulivai Lagoon ending at Maninoa Beach. For experienced open water swimmers who still have the energy after the gruelling three days, there is the Pacific Open Water Challenge on 06-07 August 2013 with a 10km race around the Aggie Greys Resort Course on the first day followed by a gruelling 5km loop race around Apia Harbour on the second day.  www.swimseries.com

Find your inner warrior and come and test your strength against some of the best. For more information visit the events section on www.samoa.travel

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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.

Interested in a Press Visit to experience the Samoa Half Iron Man yourself? Contact Samoa Tourism Authority's London Press Office for more information.