AUSTRALIANS’ love for Samoa is growing with visitor arrivals up 7% last year, compared to 2016.
While a significant number of visiting Aussies have been couples, adventure travellers and expats, Samoa Tourism Authority (STA) said it would focus on luring more families to the country.
“We are a family destination and this is a place where you can bring your family and know they can run all over the place and not feel unsafe”, STA CEO Sonja Hunter told travelBulletin in Samoa recently.
According to STA, the newly launched direct flights from Sydney with Samoa Airways, the destination’s warm climate, friendly hospitality and range of tourism products were appealing factors to Australian families.
The tourism authority said it would continue to work with its wholesale partners to promote packages specifically dedicated to the family market.
Family friendly properties in Samoa include the Sheraton hotels, Taumeasina Island Resort, Saletoga Resort, Return to Paradise Resort & Spa, Aga Reef Resort, Le Lagoto Resort, Amoa Resort, Tanoa Tusitala Hotel, Insel Fehmarn, Amanaki, Millenia and Savaiian hotels.
Most of the properties provide facilities and programs including themed nights that cater for family groups.
Nature tours to sites such as To Sua Ocean Trench and Alofaaga Blowholes, swimming with turtles and cycling were popular activities for families visiting Samoa.
“Samoa offers Australians great value for money and we really want more families to come here”, said Hunter.
