2015 Samoa Tourism Monthly Newsletter

monthly NEWSLETTER
9th October 2015
Ariana Taufao prepares for Miss Pacific Islands 2015
The reigning Miss Samoa, Ariana Taufao this week resumed her role
as Miss Samoa when she returned from Australia. Ms Taufao is the
first Miss Samoa Australia to be crowned Miss Samoa. Following the
Pageant night at the conclusion of the Teuila Festival on Saturday the
10th of September 2015 at Gymn 1 in Tuanaimato, Ms Taufao returned
to Australia to settle her studies before coming back to live in Samoa for
the 12 month duration of her reign.
“My immediate plan is to prepare for the upcoming Miss Pacific Islands
Pageant 2015.” said Ms Taufao. “I’m currently concentrating on my
talent coordination and interview, as well as working on ideas for my
traditional wear and sarong.”
The 23 year old is not pressured too much in defending the crown
currently held by former Miss Samoa, Latafale Auva’a.
“As long as I do my best, have confidence and trust in God’s will then it
should be all good.” She said with a smile.
In the past week Ms Taufao has been settling in with her new home and
looking forward to making a difference for the people of Samoa.
“I plan to work on some community projects for Samoa with no specifics
at the moment.
“Church activities are in the forefront of what I love doing, especially
fellowshipping with the youth of today.”
Ms Taufao is a student of Queensland University of Technology, studying
a Bachelor of Information Technology; and a Bachelor of Business
majoring in Accounting.
Miss Samoa, Ariana Taufao at the Miss Samoa
Pageant 2015 during the Teuila Festival.
She hails from the villages of Salamumu, Faleasiu, Fasitoo tai, Satapuala,
Fogapoa, Foalalo and Samatau. She likes to spend time with family,
loves sports especially rugby league and also a firm supporter of the
Manu Samoa. She is the youngest of four to proud parents Fepulea’i
Samuelu Taufao and Taupule Taufao.
The Miss Samoa is working with the Samoa Tourism Authority during her reign.
The Miss Pacific Islands Pageant 2015 will be held in the Cook Islands in the beginning of December this year.
- Samoa Tourism Authority
2
9th October 2015
Samoa Tourism brave
NZ cold weather during the
‘Beautiful Samoa New Zealand Roadshow 2015’
L-R: SHA President, Adele Kruse; Mrs Joyce Scanlan; Aga
Resort owner,Va’atu’itu’i Apete Meredith; and Samoa’s High
Commissioner to NZ, H.E Papali’i Leasi Tommy Scanlan.
Overseas buyers attending the Beautiful Samoa New Zealand
Roadshow 2015 carried out in Dunedin, Christchurch,
Wellington, Hamilton and Auckland from 7-10 June.
Samoa Tourism Authority (STA), Samoa Hotels Association
(SHA) and members of the Samoa Tourism Industry braved
the cold weather of Aotearoa and showcased the beautiful
and wide range of accommodation services and products
Samoa offers, during the Beautiful Samoa New Zealand
Roadshow 2015 from 7-10 September.
and STA’s former NZ rep, STA Australian rep, Faalavaau
Fasitau Ula, and STA NZ rep, Levasa Sonny Rivers. They
acknowledged all the seasoned and new agents from around
NZ who came out in numbers and who were absolutely
excited at the prospects of selling Samoa’s growing and
exciting land product.
New Zealand is Samoa’s largest source market and the key
objectives of the Roadshow were to:
A key part of attracting travel agent participation is ensuring
the presence of a range of operators and Tourism businesses
who have been invited to take part in this important event.
• Showcase Samoa’s destination offer
• Improve destination and product knowledge among retail and reservations agents
• Build and enhance business relationships
• Develop partnership and sales opportunities
The Roadshow targeted improved destination and
product awareness and interest among retail travel
agents, reservations consultants and travel trade media
representatives who are at the ‘frontline’.
There to take the lead was SHA President, Adele Kruse
The Roadshow is an important part of trade marketing
efforts, as was witnessed in the most recent successful
Roadshow in Australia last month.
The Beautiful Samoa New Zealand Roadshow was held
in Dunedin and Christchurch on Monday 7 September;
Wellington on Tuesday 8 September; Hamilton on
Wednesday 9 September and Auckland on Thursday 10
September 2015.
- Samoa Tourism Authority
Samoa Tourism Team at the Beautiful Samoa New Zealand Roadshow 2015.
3
9th October 2015
VISITOR ARRIVALS & EARNINGS IN FIRST HALF OF 2015
The total visitor arrivals for the first six months of 2015 increased and had grown by 1.8% when compared to the same
period last year. As the second half of the year is still in progress which includes two major events, the annual growth rate
for 2015 is forecasted to be between 4% to 5%.
On arrivals by market, our top two inbound markets of New Zealand and Australia continue to perform well although the
Australian market recorded a slight decrease in growth of 5% over the first six months. Our third market of American Samoa
had a downward slide with recorded growth of 17% when compared to 2014. This respective market has now decreased by
39.3% and contributes 12% of total market share compared to 21% for the same period back in 2011.
Arrivals by purpose remains constant for our Holiday travelers for the period under review with the only significant change
being our VFR market which had decreased and representing 32%.
On the earnings side, minimal growth was recorded for the first six months at 0.3% when compared to the 7.2% that was
achieved last year although total earnings for the period have grown by 11.1% when compared to 2011. The seasonal low
in growth experienced through earnings can be largely attributed firstly due to the decrease in the number of VFR’s as they
usually have a higher average spending and secondly, based on the strengthening of our $SAT against the $AUS and the
$NZD since the beginning of this year.
Total Visitor Arrivals January-June 2015
4
9th October 2015
• Total visitor arrival numbers of 58,203 have increased by 1.8% compared to the same period last year.
• Total visitor numbers for all months experienced increases compared to 2014 with the exception of April
and June which recorded decreases of 2.1% and 3.3% respectively
• Overall growth for the first 6 months compared to 2011 (5 years ago) has been minimal at 3.1%.
Visitor Earnings
5
9th October 2015
Apia Waterfront Development
Project launches Public Information
Campaign and Stakeholder Consultations
Minister of MNRE, Hon. Faamoetauloa
Lealaiauloto Taito Faale Tumaalii
delivering the keynote address.
Partnering with local communities and private sector
businesses is key to the success of the Apia Waterfront
(APW) project, and to ensure that a wide range of
stakeholders are consulted before developing a master plan
for the area, a public information campaign and stakeholder
consultation is launched, to obtain feedback from a variety
of stakeholders including community representatives, nongovernment organisations (NGOs) and interest groups,
private sector and businesses, government agencies and
development partners.
The consultation was officially launched this week by
the Minister of the Ministry of Natural Resources and
Environment, Hon. Faamoetauloa Lealaiauloto Taito Faale
Tumaalii on Wednesday, 7 October 2015 at the Samoa
Cultural Village Fale (STA Fale) from 9:30am–12.00pm with
the prayer service led by Rev. Talalelei Tuafafo.
Views are obtained from the public about the Vision, Study
Area and Issues to guide development of the waterfront
Master Plan.
The Apia Waterfront Development (AWD) Project is a
nationally significant initiative for Samoa and is being
coordinated by the Government of Samoa. The aim of the
project is to develop a comprehensive strategic plan that will
guide development and growth of the waterfront, creating
an attractive urban environment that will boost Samoa’s
economy and wellbeing.
The AWD Project Unit, jointly led by the Ministry of Natural
Resources and Environment’s Planning and Urban
Management Agency (PUMA) and the Samoa Tourism
Authority (STA), is interested in hearing from all relevant
stakeholders and the general public that would like to
contribute to the future of Apia’s waterfront area.
Also launched by the Minister of MNRE was the project’s
official website, facebook page and a discussion paper that
is being released for public comment. The AWD Project
Unit welcomes feedback on the paper, which includes ten
discussion questions for stakeholders and the general public
to consider.
The general public is also invited to attend a Public
Forum on Thursday, the 22nd October 2015 from 10.00am
to 12.00pm(location TBC). This forum will provide an
opportunity for anyone interested in the project to speak
to the project team and share their views. All members of
the community are encouraged to attend, including women,
youth and people with disabilities.
Submissions for this consultation process will close on
Monday, 30 November 2015 and can be submitted via
email ([email protected]), via the website (www.
apiawaterfont.ws), in person at PUMA/STA offices, via phone
(67200) or by mail (Waterfront Project Unit, MNRE, Private
Bag Apia, Samoa). The AWD Project Unit will consider all
feedback provided by stakeholders and the general public
once submissions close. The feedback, along with other
technical investigations and background studies, will help to
inform the draft master plan (anticipated to be released in
early 2016). It is anticipated that the final master plan will be
launched in late 2016 once further public consultations and
technical assessments have been completed.
The Government of Samoa would like to thank the
Government of New Zealand for their generous assistance in
establishing the project and providing funding and technical
support. Technical assistance has been provided by Local
Government New Zealand, Waterfront Auckland, Auckland
Council and Greater Wellington Regional Council.
For more information on the project, please visit www.
apiawaterfront.ws or Facebook www.facebook.com/
apiawaterfrontdevelopmentproject
- Samoa Tourism Authority
6
9th October 2015
First graduation for ‘Hospitality
& Community Health Institute of Training, Samoa’
SMILES: HCHIT Graduating Class of 2015 with Rev Maiava, HCHIT CEO, Darryl Scott and SQA ACEO, Kovi Fonoti Aiolupotea.
The recently established Hospitality & Community Health
Institute of Training (HCHIT) in Samoa has held its first ever
graduation ceremony. Ten students have graduated with
certificates 1, 2 & 3 in Hospitality, following 12 months of
intensive classroom and practical work while on the job.
Accredited by the Samoa Qualifications Authority (SQA),
the ceremony began with a prayer service by Pastor Ioane
Maiava and held at the Edge Cocktail Lounge and Bar at the
Marina in Matautu. HCHIT CEO, Mr Darryl Scott is positive
about the programme and its contribution to the tourism
industry.
“The institute aims to improve hospitality services in Samoa
by not only providing first-hand experience for the students
but also full time employment.” Said Mr Scott.
The ten students who graduated are currently employed at
the Edge Cocktail Lounge and Bar, and have been working
there since the beginning of the course in 2014. The Edge
Cocktail Lounge and Bar is co-owned by Mr Scott, and is
also the base of the institute where classes are taught in the
morning and put into action in the evenings when the bar
opens.
The keynote was delivered by the Assistant Chief Executive
Officer of SQA, Kovi Fonoti Aioliupotea who congratulated
the students and the institute. She acknowledged how
different this form of learning is for students whose capacities
are continually built while on the job.
The graduating class of 2015 are Francis Ah Sue, Taikerise
Uati, Gase Hala, Peau Tafaoialii, Peato Ah See and Maria
Siatiu.
Those attending the ceremony included the Samoa Hotels
Association CEO, Samoa Tourism Authority, members of
the hospitality and tourism industry, parents, families and
friends.
- Samoa Tourism Authority
7
9th October 2015
Savaii Tourism Association continues to
‘Keep Savaii Beautiful’
KEEPING SAVAII BEAUTIFUL: SSTA members during their clean up Savaii campaign.
The Savaii Samoa Tourism Association’s (SSTA)
“Keep Savaii Beautiful Campaign” which was launched
in 2014 continues to build momentum with SSTA
committing to its schedule of clean ups for 2015. Its
army of volunteers which is made up mostly from
members of Savaii’s tourism and government ministries
have been pulling up their sleeves in the early hours of
the morning to hit the pavements and collect rubbish
by the roadsides which has been dropped by hand or
thrown onto the road by the passing vehicles.
Last Saturday, the association held a mass clean up
from Pu’apu’a to the Saleaula lava fields. Participants
included members from Amoa Resort, Bayview Resort,
Le Lagoto Resort & Spa, Dive Savaii, and Stevensons
at Manase.
The association will continue their clean up this
Saturday at Salelologa.
Since the first round of clean ups were completed,
hotels around the island have continued their efforts
with smaller clean ups undertaken in their local areas.
SSTA encourages the public and the people of Savaii
to dispose of rubbish responsibly and help keep this
beautiful island pristine for everyone.
For more information on being a Keep Savaii Beautiful
volunteer or sign sponsor please contact Savaii Samoa
Tourism.
Ph: +685 8423220. Email: [email protected]
Website: www.takemetosavaii.com
- Samoa Tourism Authority
Children honoured this weekend
This weekend, White Sunday celebrates childhood through
the hosting of special programs during church services around
the country including Biblical story reenactments, scripture
recitations and dance performances. On this special day,
children receive gifts, often of new clothing, and privileges
usually reserved for their elders, including being served first at
meal time or toonai.
Go to church this weekend and experience White Sunday.
To participate in a local church service, ask for service times
in the area you are visiting. Most services take place between
8am and10am on Sunday. To further celebrate White Sunday,
Monday 13th October is a public holiday in Samoa.
- Samoa Tourism Authority
8
9th October 2015
#STA #GoTheManu
GO THE MANU: STA Staff in support of Manu Samoa.
The Samoa Tourism Authority took it another step in show of
their support for the country’s national rugby team the Manu
Samoa at the 2015 Rugby World Cup in England, by holding
an in-office competition between.
Each division came up with individual themes to decorate
their offices and keeping the patriotism and support alive for
the boys in blue.
Judges from outside STA were impressed with the effort and
passion shown. The eventual winner was the Statistics and
Survey Division.
- Samoa Tourism Authority
9
9th October 2015
More signages installed in tourism sites
SAFETY FOR ALL: Signage being erected at Taga Blow Holes by STA Staff.
Safety is a priority at all tourism, natural and historical sites
for visitors and locals alike. The Samoa Tourism Authority
has erected warning signage for sites around the country,
to ensure everyone is safe by being well informed. One
of the well known attraction sites, Taga Blowholes in the
big island of Savaii was installed a signage incorporating
all international recognised symbols and content in three
different languages for various ethnic visitors namely
Samoan, English, Chinese and Japanese.
- Samoa Tourism Authority
Government of Samoa
MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND
ENVIRONMENT
Matāgaluega
o Puna'oa
Faalenatura ma
Siosiomaga
DECLARATION
OF METEOROLOGICAL
DROUGHT
Level 3, Tui Atua Tupua
Tamasese
Efi Building
Telephone: (+685) 67200
A Meteorological
Drought
is now
in effect for Samoa.
(TATTE), Sogi., P.O Private Bag, Apia, SAMOA
Over
the course
of the last three months,
Website:
http://www.mnre.gov.ws/
Please address all correspondence to the Chief
Executive Officer, Private Bag, Apia, Samoa.
System
(CLEWS)
managed
Samoa
Faamolemole
faatuatausi
uma by
mai the
fesootaiga
uma i mainly
le Ōfisa Sili
of the country, while other areas
to the
Fax: (+685) 23176
Samoa
Climate
Early Warning
Email:
[email protected]
the
Meteorological Division has recorded below ‘normal’ rainfall in some areas
southern sector of the islands received ‘average or normal’ rainfall.
The ‘dryness’
phenomenon covers about 60 % of the country and is mainly to the north. Indicators now show that the
28th September 2015
rainfall deficiencies in these areas have reached the threshold of a meteorological drought.
The north and central region of Upolu Island, from
Saoluafata to Apia and Vaimoso to Mulifanua, Manono and Apolima
2ND MEDIA RELEASE
islands and eastern region of Savaii Island from Maota to Tuasivi, Puapua to Falelima are now declared to be under a
Meteorological Drought. This is based upon assessment of the monthly rainfall climate observational data.
DECLARATION OF METEOROLOGICAL DROUGHT
Other areas that includes the south (Safata and Siumu), south east of Upolu Island (Falealili and Aleipata) and south
of Savaii (Palauli to Salailua) are still classified ‘average’ or above average rainfall. However, they are more prone to
A Meteorological Drought is now in effect for Samoa.
extended dry conditions, if the current event continues they may experience similar drought conditions.
TheOver
impacts
a meteorological
drought
include;
likelythe
temporary
failure
of certain
weed System
and grass(CLEWS)
species due to
theofcourse
of the last
three
months,
Samoagrowth
Climate
Early
Warning
precipitation
deficiency,
reduced
ground
water
recharge,
reduced
surface
water
flow
and
water
availability,
increase
managed by the Samoa Meteorological Division has recorded below ‘normal’ rainfall in some areas ofrisk of
forest
bush fires,
increased
surfacemainly
drynesstosuch
dusty conditions
to increased
and transpiration,
theand
country,
while
other areas
theassouthern
sector due
of the
islands evaporation
received ‘average
or
greater
sunshine
exposure
due
to
less
cloud
cover.
(Refer
to
Table
1
for
detail)
normal’ rainfall.
Therefore, the public is advised to conserve, store and manage water in a sustainable manner, and reduce water usage
‘dryness’
phenomenon
covers about
% oftothe
country
and is
mainly
the north.
Indicators
andThe
wastage.
It is also
highly recommended
for the60public
refrain
from open
burning
of to
rubbish
in grassy
or forest
now show that the rainfall deficiencies in these areas have reached the threshold of a
areas.
meteorological drought.
more
infomation
or to share
please contact:
The north and central region of For
Upolu
Island,
from Saoluafata
to your
Apia story,
and Vaimoso
to Mulifanua,
Manono and Apolima islands and
eastern
region
of
Savaii
Island
from
Maota
to
Tuasivi,
Puapua to
Su’a Hesed Ieremia
Falelima are now declared to be under a Meteorological Drought. This is based upon assessment of
STA Public Relations & Communications Officer
the monthly rainfall climate observational data.
Ground Floor, FMFMII Government Building, Eleele Fou
Ph: +685
63 528
M: +685 south
724 7865
Other areas that includes the south
(Safata
and | Siumu),
east| E:
of [email protected]
Upolu Island (Falealili and
Aleipata) and south of Savaii (Palauli to Salailua) are still classified ‘average’ or above average