Samoa Beach Resort has entered a new chapter following its transition into the beachfront property formerly operated as Sheraton Samoa Beach Resort at Mulifanua. The change marks an important step in the ongoing evolution of one of Samoa’s most established resort destinations. To’oto’oleaava Mark Wendt has returned to the resort as General Manager, bringing extensive experience across hospitality, aviation, and executive leadership.

Samoa welcomed the MS Costa Delizioza, the first cruise ship to call into Samoa this year, marking a pivotal moment for the country’s tourism industry and economy.

Carrying a total of 2,812 passengers and crew, the arrival created valuable opportunities for local businesses, tour operators, and communities to engage with visitors and showcase Samoa’s natural beauty, culture, and hospitality – reinforcing the destination’s appeal within the regional cruise market.

Samoa stepped into the global spotlight by hosting the Kings Baton Relay last month, marking an important international event for the very first time. This milestone not only represented a significant moment but also showcased Samoa’s cultural richness and commitment to sustainability. 

Samoa Tourism Authority (STA) is working to update its national tourism standards, aimed at fostering safe, responsible, and profitable tourism practices that uphold environmental integrity and benefit local communities. This comprehensive effort, in collaboration with the South Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO), the SWITCH–Asia Pacific Programme, and the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), will involve a detailed review of Samoa’s tourism accommodation and beach fale standards.

Visitor arrivals to Samoa grew by 0.3% between January and November 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, indicating modest but encouraging growth for the tourism sector.

During this period, total visitor numbers reached a strong overall level, driven primarily by holiday travel, which remained the largest market segment. Holiday arrivals recorded a significant increase of 19.8%, rising from 62,275 visitors in 2024 to 74,591 visitors in 2025. This segment accounted for 40% of total visitor arrivals, underscoring its continued importance to Samoa’s tourism performance and recovery.

The Apia Waterfront is poised for an exciting transformation with the anticipated opening of the Savalalo Market, scheduled to bring vibrant energy and cultural richness to the heart of Apia city, by the end of this month. This innovative market is designed to enhance both local businesses and the visitor experience while showcasing Samoan heritage and values.

The Savalalo Market, beautifully integrates modern architecture with quintessential Samoan cultural elements, creating a space that not only meets practical needs but also respects and celebrates local heritage. Central to this vision is the commitment to environmental sustainability, as the market will utilize solar energy systems to power essential facilities, making it a pioneering model of green energy use in Samoa.

Samoa is strengthening its national biosecurity system with the installation of a new incinerator within Biosecurity Samoa, scheduled for installation in mid-February 2026 and commissioning in March 2026. This important investment will enhance Samoa’s ability to manage biosecurity risks linked to international travel, trade, and waste disposal, while also supporting the continued growth of tourism and cruise operations.

In 2025, Václav Havel Airport Prague handled a total of 17,750,528 passengers, marking an 8.5% year-on-year increase and representing above-average growth compared with the wider European market. Passenger numbers have now returned to the airport’s previous operational record. During the year, in cooperation with airlines, Prague Airport also introduced services to 19 new destinations.

In 2025, the United Kingdom remained Prague Airport’s strongest country market, with over 2.2 million passengers travelling between the UK and Václav Havel Airport Prague — a 6% year-on-year increase. A total of 16 UK destinations were served during the year, underlining the continued strength of air connectivity between the two markets.

The Prague–London route once again ranked as the single busiest regular connection, with more than 1.3 million passengers carried in 2025. Although this represented a slight 3% year-on-year decrease, London maintained its position as Prague’s top city destination by passenger volume.

The UK market continues to be supported by a strong presence of both low-cost and full-service carriers, contributing to sustained demand for city breaks, business travel, and visiting friends and relatives (VFR) traffic between Prague and the United Kingdom.

Full article available: Return to Record Numbers; Prague Airport Handles Close to 17.8 Million Passengers in 2025 | Prague Convention Bureau

With Valentine’s Day inspiring proposals and wedding planning for 2026 and beyond, Samoa is emerging as a top destination for couples seeking a tropical island wedding. Couples can exchange vows in a variety of romantic natural settings while enjoying warm Pacific Island hospitality.

Whether planning a barefoot ceremony for two or a larger celebration with family and friends, couples have flexibility and choice, with ceremonies possible on beaches, beside waterfalls, in tropical gardens, or at luxury resorts specialising in destination weddings.

Many resorts offer experienced on-site wedding planners to manage everything from the ceremony, flowers, catering, photography, and entertainment, while local planners can create bespoke experiences, including access to secluded locations and guidance on Samoan customs.

From white-sand beaches and lush gardens to luxury waterfront resorts, Samoa has accommodation to suit all budgets, and with direct air connections from New Zealand, Australia and Fiji to the capital, Apia, Samoa is an idyllic setting for saying “I do.”

Greater Miami & Miami Beach is kicking off 2026 with undeniable energy. From headline-making hotel reopenings and buzzy restaurant debuts to cultural milestones and expanded transportation options, the destination is leaning into what it does best: pairing world-class hospitality with unforgettable experiences.

“What’s unfolding across the destination over the next few months reflects a continued focus on premier hospitality and meaningful traveller experiences,” said David Whitaker, president and CEO of the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau. And as the new year unfolds, visitors will find more ways than ever to connect with Miami’s neighbourhoods, culture, cuisine, and natural beauty.