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As part of its post-Covid recovery efforts, Savaii Samoa Tourism Association (SSTA) has launched a new website in an effort to reconnect and re-establish communication between the big island of Savaii’s tourism sector, the local community, and travellers.
The website www.savaiitourism.com serves as an online guide for travellers to discover Savaii island, linking visitors with accommodation, events, activities, and helpful tips while touring the big island.
The new development is welcomed by the association to boost online awareness, promoting all STA sites and properties around the island, according to Elisabeth Siaosi of SSTA.
“The new website was designed and created by a volunteer for SSTA to help tourists stay connected and get the real Samoan experience they deserve” she added.
The drop-in airfares and Samoa’s unique experience are listed as some of the reasons why Samoa is highly recommended for Australian travellers in 2024 by Skyscanner’s 2024 Travel Trends report.
Chronicle Australia listed Samoa as the 2nd most voted destination without breaking their bank account. Samoa is also highlighted by 9Honey Travel as a highly recommended place for a relaxing island getaway for cultural experiences and the best place to go for a beach holiday, highlighting huge drop in airfares.
According to Skyscanner’s report, 75 % of Australians are planning to travel in 2024 and
41% of travellers say the cost of flights is what helps them determine where they will go.
The Hon. Prime Minister & Minister of Tourism Fiame Naomi Mata’afa led Samoa’s delegation to Tahiti last month where a number of important meetings were held. These meetings by the South Pacific Tourism Organization (SPTO) hold significant importance in rebuilding the Pacific region’s tourism sector post-Covid through establishing future focused partnerships and ensuring vital air connectivity for all Pacific Island states.
She was accompanied by Chief Executive Officer Pativaine Petaia-Tevita, Manager of Planning & Development Tupai Robert Ah Sam and also Manager of Sales & Marketing Manager Losa Maia’i Wallwork.
Improving Regional Air Connectivity was the key focus of the SPTO Council of Tourism Minister’s Meeting in which Hon. Fiame was one of the key panelist members.
The finale of the 21st Siva Afi Competition on 18 November concluded with a bang, culminating three days of intense competition, offering Samoa’s best stage for fire knife dancing.
The Competition that started 21 years ago has been greatly seen as an opportunity to showcase and promote Samoan culture on the global level.
In her remarks during the finale, Hon. PM Fiame Naomi Mata’afa acknowledged the founder and Director Leota Lene Leota and Siva Afi Entertainment for making this competition an annual event which is one of the major events in Samoa. The celebration of 21 years speaks volume of the passion and commitment to develop and sustain this traditional performing art.
“Siva Afi Competition is one of the key attractions for tourists, and the government through STA has supported varies local programs to help sustain business, promote products and services and cultural initiatives and activities for incoming visitors and the local population.” said Fiame.
Photo: Henrik Trygg/Visit Sweden
Even the most informed and powerful people on earth can’t always tell the two countries apart; A world leader, the New York Stock Exchange, and a famous pop star have all experienced this. Every year, 120,000 people even google the question: “Are Sweden and Switzerland the same?”. Determined to end the confusion once and for all, Sweden is now proposing action. The proposal from Sweden aims to make the distinction between the two countries clear, thus ending the ongoing confusion.
The maltabiennale.art2024 is pleased to announce the countries that have been selected to set up the national pavilions in the first ever biennale to be held in Malta. These are Austria,China, France, Germany, Italy, Malta, Palestine, Poland, Serbia, Spain, Turkey and Ukraine.
Members of the international press were shown round the historical and archaeological sites that will host the Central Pavilion and the National/Thematic Pavilions, including the Grandmaster’s Palace, Underground Valletta and Ġgantija Archaeological Park in Gozo. These evocative sites characterise the Maltese islands’ expansive historic heritage encompassing seven thousand, two hundred and twenty-three years of civilisation and provide the perfect backdrop for the main theme of maltabiennale.art: BaħarAbjadImsaġar taż-Żebbuġ.
“These sites, symbols of Maltese history and Mediterranean civilisation, are not mere locations for intervention; no urban environment, let alone a cultural treasure steeped in history, is ever neutral and silent”, says Sofia Baldi Pighi. Thus, the contemporary artists who will be exhibiting in these venues, must rebuild an intimate relationship with these locations. “To envision the first edition of the biennale in such an ancient land necessitates working in tandem with its history.”
Mario Cutajar, maltabiennale.art’s President and Chairman of Heritage Malta, considers the overwhelming response to the call for contemporary art proposals for maltabiennale.art 2024 to be proof that “the artist wants to speak up and needs the space and support to discuss their surroundings through their art.” He says that Malta should be proud to be providing this space through maltabiennale.art.
This inaugural biennale was conceived with an interdisciplinary approach and is teaming up with the Underwater Department at Heritage Malta; the Archeological Department atHeritage Malta; the Maritime Museum at Heritage Malta; L’Orientale University, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Centre for Post colonial and Gender Studies (Naples); IULM University (Milan); MCAST–The Malta College of Arts, Science &Technology; University ofMalta; MADE Fine Arts Academy (Syracuse); Northwestern University(Boston, USA); MAM–Matri-Archivio del Mediterraneo; Magna Żmien (Malta)
Pjazza Tritoni in Valletta will be transformed into Santa’s City once again this Christmas from the 8th of December to the 7th of January 2024!
Fairyland offers something for everyone, whether it is the iconic aerial view of Valletta from Rudolpht’s Whell or the adventure on the real ice rink. The festive food and drink options will leave visitors’ taste buds completely satiated, while the artisan market will fill stockings to the brim.
Santa Claus and his elves will be staying at Fairyland, ready to visit kids from all over the world and provide all the Nice kids on their list unique gifts. A trip to Fairyland is certain to be memorable for the entire family. Apart from the Christmas-themed attractions and stalls, Fairyland is bringing back during December and January live enterntainment on te state this year so that guests can take pleasure in their stay while drinking warm beverages and indulging in delectable food.
Malta Tourism Authority Chairman Dr Gavin Gulia stated that Fairyland’s return for another year futher strengthens not only the Maltese cultural calendar at Christmas time, but also the niche of family tourism. “This is an increasingly growing niche in Malta’s tourism performance. Fairyland has also now become an integral part of events that the MTA supports and encourages all year round. Furthermore, this event together with others that the MTA supports further strengthens performace in what are considered to be quieter months for the tourism industry,” Dr Gulia concluded.
Fairyland – Santa’s City opens on the 8th of December until the 7th of January 2024. More information is available on the Facebook pae of Fairyland: https://www.facebook.com/fairylandmalta
Calling all runners, athletes, and running enthusiasts! Get ready to embark on an epic journey through 7000 years of history while enjoying the stunning Mediterranean coastline. The highly-anticipated third edition of the La Valette Marathon, a full or half marathon event, is set to take place on March 24, 2024, in Malta, often referred to as the ‘jewel of the Mediterranean.’
The La Valette Marathon by Corsa is not just a race; it’s an immersive experience that combines the thrill of running with a captivating journey through Malta’s rich cultural heritage. Runners will have the idyllic Mediterranean Sea on their left as they follow an entirely coastal route certified by the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS). This Marathon allows participants to immerse themselves in this enchanting world while pursuing their passion for running.
With its 7000 years of history, Malta is like an open-air museum. The marathon route will take participants past medieval fortifications, and iconic landmarks, providing a unique opportunity to run alongside the island’s remarkable past. As runners navigate the coastal route, they’ll also be treated to breathtaking vistas of the Mediterranean Sea, its crystal-clear waters glistening under the Maltese sun. The scenic beauty of Malta will be their constant companion, with the added allure of delightful weather in March, boasting average temperatures of 17 degrees.
The La Valette Marathon offers options for both seasoned marathoners and those looking to conquer their first half marathon. Whether it’s 42 kilometres or 21 kilometres, participants will experience the magic of Malta. For those who are looking for a different challenge, the La Valette Marathon also caters for running teams interested in their Relay, and those who want to take in the views at a slower pace with their 21 kilometre Walkathon.
Beyond the race, the La Valette Marathon is a celebration of unity and spirit. Runners from diverse backgrounds will come together to share moments of triumph, forging connections that extend beyond the finish line.
Malta is the perfect setting for this extraordinary event. Its history, culture, and natural beauty make it a destination like no other. So, whether you’re a competitive marathoner, a casual runner, or simply an adventurer seeking a unique experience, mark your calendar for March 24, 2024, and join us in the heart of the Mediterranean for The La Valette Marathon. Head to www.lavalettemarathon.com to find out more and register for this unmissable event.
Esme Young, Fashion designer and TV Presenter of the BBC’s Great British Sewing Bee will be joining the Gibraltar Tourist Board at the World Travel Market STAND N4-502 2-4pm on Monday 6th November 2023, at the Excel Exhibition Centre, London, as part of the destination’s promotion of its International Literary Festival.
Ahead of her appearance at the ‘Gibunco Gibraltar International Literary Festival’, later in November, Esme will be available on the Gibraltar Tourist Board stand for interviews and photo opportunities and discussing her love of travel and promoting her new book “Behind the Seams: My Life in Creativity, Friendship and Adventure.”
The Tourist Board will be running a prize draw to win a signed copy of the book together with a 2 night stay at the Sunborn Hotel in Gibraltar.
Esme will be one of the headline speakers at this year’s festival which takes place in Gibraltar November 17th-20th . www.gibraltarliteraryfestival.com The festival has become a firm fixture in the destination and was developed alongside the team of the long established Oxford Literary Festival series.
Media requesting an interview with Esme should contact: Tracey.Poggio@gibraltar.gov.gi
For further information:
Tel: +44 (0)20 7836 0777
Note to Editors:
Esme Young:
Fashion designer and The Great British Sewing Bee judge Esme Young talks about a lifetime of sewing and designing that began in a squat with other young creatives and has lately seen her appearing in the BBC reality series.
Young tells how she made her way as a teenager to London, living in a squat and studying at Central St Martins. She launched a clothing line, Swanky Modes, watched Notting Hill Carnival with David Bowie and altered a dress for Cher. Young later moved into an international career in film, designing costumes for Trainspotting, Bridget Jones’s Diary and The Beach. Her work has featured in the likes of Vogue magazine. Since 2016, she has been a judge on the BBC reality series The Great British Sewing Bee, working with presenters Claudia Winkelman, Joe Lycett and Sara Pascoe.
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