Hold onto your snorkels, folks! The Togitogiga Waterfalls, Samoa’s beloved aquatic masterpiece and a hotspot for nature enthusiasts, just got a fancy makeover! This gem, famous for its tumbling waters and lush greenery, has long been a treasure trove for locals and tourists seeking a splash of paradise. With its recent glow-up, get ready for an even more spellbinding journey into the heart of natural beauty – wetter, wilder, and wonderfully upgraded!
The upgrade primarily focused on enhancing the accessibility and safety of the site. The pathways have been constructed, making it easier for visitors to navigate the area. The viewing platforms have been reinforced with a new lookout point, providing a safer and more comfortable space for people to marvel at the waterfall’s beauty. New resting fales have added a more relaxed experience for visitors looking to spend more time at the site. Additionally, the bathroom facilities have been completely reconstructed with changing rooms available for both men and women.
With the implementation of these enhancements, the waterfalls remain an embodiment of Samoa’s dedication to conserving and showcasing its natural marvels.
The Moanalei Villas, soon to be Samoa’s first boutique villa is set to redefine luxury accommodations in Samoa’s tourism sector.
Nestled in the foothills of Mount Vaea, this upcoming luxury accommodation is a stone’s throw away from the bustling city of Apia, offering the perfect blend of tranquillity and convenience. The property comprises of seven boutique luxury villas, each designed to function as a hotel. Every villa boasts a private infinity pool and offers breathtaking views that stretch from the mountains to the ocean and into town. The villas are a testament to luxury and privacy, providing an unparalleled stay experience for guests.
According to the Director Caitlin Lei Sam, the construction works began in 2022. The first three villas and the restaurant are nearing completion and are set to open their doors by the end of this year. The remaining villas are currently under construction with work expected to continue until 2025. The entire site is planned to be fully operational and open to the public by 2026.
The Samoa Tourism Authority (STA) is delighted to announce that Survivor Beach Resort, located at Falelatai and known as the first filming location for Survivor USA in Samoa, has now opened its doors to the public.
Situated amidst the stunning backdrop of lush of lush green hills and crystal clear green and blue waters, this resort offers a truly exceptional experience. With state-of-the-art rooms, villas and facilities, Survivor Beach Resort enhances the luxurious and comfortable accommodations in Samoa.
The owner of Survivor Beach Resort is a notable figure in the hotel and hospitality industry, overseeing the leading hotel in American Samoa, the Rainmaker. Luxury and comfort are defining characteristics of their properties. Following the successful hosting of the CHOGM meeting, the resort has earned substantial praise and admiration.
The Samoa Tourism Authority (STA) was thrilled to receive the TALOFA with A SMILE EXCELLENCE AWARD from the Public Service Commission. This award, given on the first anniversary of the campaign, recognizes STA’s dedication to promoting public service values for the people of Samoa and our partners.
The STA’s entire team’s collective efforts have led to this achievement, showcasing its commitment to setting an example. By collaborating with the PSC on this initiative, STA is advancing its mission to enhance customer service standards within local tourism providers. STA’s aim is to ensure that Samoa consistently delivers exceptional customer service to both tourists and the public. This award serves as a wonderful acknowledgement of STA’s work and inspires its staff members to continue pursuing excellence in all aspects of their operations.
The Samoa Tourism Authority (STA) European office is pleased to announce that Samoa’s tourism sector has begun the financial year 2024/25 with impressive results, particularly from European markets. Visitor arrivals from Europe increased by 45.4% in the July–September 2024 quarter compared to the same period in 2023, solidifying Europe as one of Samoa’s best-performing long-haul markets. This growth contributed to a 4.5% rise in total visitor arrivals, reaching 50,830 for the quarter. These results reflect sustained demand and continued interest from European travellers, reinforcing Samoa’s position as a top destination in the Pacific.
The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) announces the return of Miami Arts, Culture & Heritage Months. From December 1 to January 31, this two-month celebration invites locals and visitors to discover and experience the cultural depth of Greater Miami and Miami Beach.
The arts and culture scene in Greater Miami & Miami Beach has experienced transformative growth, catalyzed by the introduction of Art Basel Miami Beach in 2002. Each neighborhood – whether the vibrant Miami Design District, the historically rich Opa-locka, or the spirited streets of Little Havana – has nurtured distinct and lively communities centered around art and cultural heritage. These vibrant neighborhoods are the heart of Greater Miami & Miami Beach’s art scene, contributing significantly to the local economy with an impressive $2.1 billion in economic activity and supporting over 31,500 local jobs.
“Greater Miami & Miami Beach stands as a beacon of creativity and self-expression, drawing artists and cultural enthusiasts from around the world year-round,” said David Whitaker, President & CEO of the GMCVB. “With its world-class art galleries, cultural institutions, historic landmarks, and vibrant heritage neighborhoods, our destination has firmly established itself as a global arts and culture capital. Miami Arts, Culture & Heritage Months celebrate the rich stories, enduring traditions, and groundbreaking innovations that define and inspire our community.”
With Miami Arts, Culture & Heritage Months, special offers extend well beyond Art Week, featuring exclusive deals, experiences, and special events across museums, art tours, and cultural attractions throughout December and January. Whether you’re drawn to Wynwood’s vibrant murals, interactive arts in Doral, or South Beach’s Art Deco charm, every corner of Greater Miami & Miami Beach has something unique to offer everyone, providing the perfect opportunity for a winter getaway filled with cultural discovery. Highlights include:
For a complete list of special offers available from the GMCVB’s Miami Arts, Culture & Heritage Months, visit miamiandbeaches.com/deals/arts-heritage-months.
Stockholm, Sweden – November 12, 2024 – Sweden is making a bold (and slightly cheeky) move to trademark its name, putting an end to travel mix-ups. The home of cinnamon rolls and fika has applied to the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) to protect its name from international duplicates that might confuse unsuspecting travellers who want to experience the original Sweden and is calling on people around the world to support its application via an online petition.
Watch how to distinguish the original Sweden here.
The trademark application addresses a common problem travellers face with name-alike locations – with eight places around the world called “Sweden”, multiple Germanys, dozens of Americas, and 34 Londons globally, it’s not hard to see why a little brand clarity might be in order. Visit Sweden has decided it’s time to step in and help tourists avoid holiday blunders, so no one packs for the Swedish lakes and forests, only to find themselves in a far-off town with the same name but none of the Scandi charm.
A recent survey by Visit Sweden revealed almost half of travellers (45%) encounter duplicate place names when planning trips and a surprising 8% confessed they have even ended up in the wrong spot.
The study also revealed a large share of younger travellers aged 20-32 support the idea of trademarking names to prevent location mix-ups (54% in the US, 45% in the UK and 44% in Sweden).
“It’s flattering that other places want to be called Sweden, but we’d prefer if there was just one. Our Sweden. The one with lakes, islands, forests, and the world’s best flat-pack furniture,” quipped Susanne Anderson, CEO of Visit Sweden. “When people think of Sweden, they should picture our rich landscapes, fika culture, and iconic design, not another city or town that happens to share our name. We want everyone to join us, sign the petition, and help travellers discover the one and only, and original, Sweden.”
If successful, Sweden’s trademark could lead to clearer travel planning and fewer mix-ups in the future. With the online petition now live, Visit Sweden is calling on everyone’s support to help create travel harmony.
To spot the “real” Sweden, Visit Sweden has a few humorous hints: keep an eye out for free wild blueberries, quiet natural luxury (more nature, less bling), and maybe even your own private island. And if you find hotels catering to “eight seasons” instead of the usual four, you’ve definitely arrived in the Original Sweden.
The application reflects recent trends in protecting brand authenticity as people become more alert to “dupes” in fashion, products – and now, destinations.
Tourism’s future in Greater Miami took centre stage at our client, the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau’s (GMCVB), annual meeting, Tuesday, 29 October at the Hilton Miami Downtown, with fiscal year-end results (October 2023 – September 2024) punctuating Greater Miami and Miami Beach’s steady, resilient performance as a premier destination.
At the yearly gathering attended by more than 700 GMCVB partners, elected leaders and community stakeholders, the organization shared why Greater Miami and Miami Beach continues to hold its ground among leading global destinations. The program featured messages from Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava and State Senator Ana Maria Rodriguez with Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner addressing the audience in-person. Special recognition was also given to County Commissioner and Chairman of the Miami-Dade County Board of County Commissioners Oliver G. Gilbert, III, for his leadership in support of the tourism and events industry.
The tourism sector has shown promising signs of recovery and growth both in terms of visitor numbers and financial earnings. The changes in market segmentation and geographical sources of visitors provide valuable insights for future strategic planning. The improved utilization of aviation capacity also bodes well for the sector’s operation efficiency.
The coming months are expected to increase with CHOGM delegates where Samoa is expected over 3,000 to attend the prestigious meeting from the 21st to the 26th of October.
This is a historical event for Samoa, being the first Pacific State to host,
The tourism sector has performed strongly this year, welcoming a total of 114,572 visitors, which marks a 2.9% increase compared to the same period in 2023. This growth is particularly impressive, especially considering the slower expansion observed in the second quarter of the year. With this positive trend, the sector is now aiming for a total of 185,000 visitors for the entire calendar year.
Financially, the tourism sector has also seen a significant increase of 7.3%, with total earnings for the period reaching SAT$398 million, up from SAT$371.4 million in 2023. This growth highlights the sector’s resilience and potential for further development.
In terms of market segmentation, the holiday market remains the largest contributor, accounting for 30% of the total. However, there has been a slight decrease in the Visiting Friends and Relatives (VFR) market share, which dropped from 37% to 33%, with the number of visitors decreasing by 8.2%. Conversely, the market for business travellers has experienced a substantial increase of 28%, or 1,985 visitors, raising its market share from 6% to 8%. This surge in business travellers is largely attributed to preparations for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).
Geographically, New Zealand continues to be the largest source of visitors, contributing a 43% share, though this is a slight decrease from 44% last year. Australia has seen a modest 1% growth, maintaining a 26% share. The USA stands out as the best-performing market among our primary sources, with a remarkable increase of 22.4%, rising from 9,239 to 11,304 visitors.
Regarding aviation capacity, there was a modest increase of 1.2% for the period, resulting in 197,643 seats available. This equates to an additional 2,355 seats compared to the same period in 2023. Moreover, the number of unutilized seats dropped to 48,087, a decrease of 3% from 49,615 empty seats last year. This indicates better utilization of our aviation capacity and a more efficient allocation of resources.
Overall, the tourism sector shows promising signs of recovery and growth, both in terms of visitor numbers and financial earnings. The shifts in market segmentation and geographical sources of visitors provide valuable insights for future strategic planning. Additionally, improved utilization of aviation capacity bodes well for the sector’s operational efficiency.
In the coming months, an increase in visitors is expected, particularly with over 3,000 delegates anticipated to attend the prestigious CHOGM, taking place from October 21st to 26th. This marks a historic event for Samoa, as it becomes the first Pacific State to host the meeting.
Samoa Tourism Authority wishes to congratulate Sheraton Samoa Beach Resort for its reopening after undergoing major renovations over the past months.
The official opening was officiated by the Hon. Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa, who congratulated Sheraton’s Board of Directors and Management for this milestone achieved, acknowledging its contribution to the tourism industry, calling for more projects like this that will definitely drive and boost the economy.
More than 150 guests attended the opening including Cabinet Ministers and Members of Parliaments, prominent corporate figures, and industry members who joined the Resort Board of Directors, Management, and staff to celebrate the occasion.
The comprehensive refurbishment valued at USD$10million extends 133 modernized guestrooms including 6 suites, each adorned with island-inspired décor offering breathtaking ocean and garden views. The design for the renovation was inspired by the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Samoa, reflecting the island’s coastal landscape using a soft palette of blues, sandy beiges, and natural wood tones with a focus on sustainable and natural materials.
Guests will be able to enjoy international cuisine at the three newly renovated restaurants and bars. South Pacific Restaurant, offers beachfront dining that serves a’ la carte lunch and dinner experience for guests; Apolima Fale, offers buffet breakfast daily and themed dinner two to three times a week; Solent Bar, is the Resort bar perfect for ocean views, tropical cocktails, local beers, and light snack.
Sheraton Samoa Beach Resort also offers enhanced guest experiences including a large lagoon-style pool set amongst the tropical gardens with its very own swim-up pool bar, offering well-curated food and beverage offerings for pool guests; the Manaia Polynesian Spa offers a series of treatments, from traditional Samoan massage techniques to modern wellness therapy.
General Manager of Sheraton Samoa Beach Resort, Mr Sunil Rawat, who brings an extensive 21 years of experience in leading hotels and resorts across India and Australia, is excited to welcome guests back. He said, “We are thrilled to re-open our doors and welcome local and international guests back to Sheraton Samoa Beach Resort to experience true Samoan hospitality.”
He continued, “We have expansive space for groups and celebrations, a beautiful accessible beachfront, and our newly renovated rooms for guests to relax. The resort is also a short 10-minute direct commute from Faleolo International Airport adding great convenience and easy access to guests.”
Sheraton Samoa Beach Resort is now taking bookings.
To celebrate the re-opening of the property, book the MyIsland Escape package directly via the Hotel website (www.marriott.com/APWGS) and receive WST500 resort credit per stay and Bonvoy Members earn an additional 5,000 bonus points. For non-members, you may sign up via Become a Marriott Bonvoy Member and start earning your rewards.
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