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HOW TO SELL SAMOA


SAMOA Steaming


BY DAVE RICHARDSON Samoa is widely regarded as one of


the most authentic South Pacific destinations, with no large-scale development but enough quality accommodation to satisfy the most discerning of travellers. The largest resort operator is Aggie


Grey’s, named after a legendary figure who created Samoa’s tourism industry after World War Two. The original Aggie Grey’s Hotel & Bungalows has 154 rooms while its Lagoon Beach Resort & Spa has 140, but all other accommodation is considerably smaller. Simple beach hut accommodation (fales) is a speciality, but it also has luxury boutique resorts such as Sinalei Reef Resort. Another plus point for Samoa is that


you can discover it easily with only two main islands, whereas some South Pacific destinations have hundreds. Upolu is where most people live and includes the small capital, Apia, while the second and even less developed island is Savaii which is reached by ferry. You can drive around either island in just a few hours. This tiny nation has a very strong and


enduring culture known as Fa’a Samoa – the Samoan way of life. Most people live in villages and are


very religious, with Sunday being devoted to worship and family. After Christianity the second main passion, by far, is rugby. The natural environment is very attractive, with both islands having sandy beaches and lush green interiors with waterfalls, blow-holes and plenty of scope for walking and water sports. Samoa is where Treasure Island author Robert Louis Stevenson lived and died, and his colonial home just outside Apia is the main paid-for tourist attraction. But Samoa is all about enjoying the nature and landscape, so you'll find most of 'the things to do' are free! The most direct route from the UK is


via Auckland with Air New Zealand, and Virgin Samoa now has a codeshare agreement with Etihad via Abu Dhabi and Sydney, as well as flights from Auckland and Brisbane. UK visitors can also fly via Fiji, which has direct flights by Air Pacific from Los Angeles and Hong Kong available on a codeshare


basis with Air New Zealand and Cathay Pacific respectively. Samoa hit the headlines around the


New Year when a decision was made to 'move' it west of the international dateline. You now arrive on the same day when travelling from Australia or New Zealand rather than the previous day, and you don’t miss a day completely on your way back! Twelve UK operators now feature Samoa, including Austravel, Cox & Kings, Jetset Holidays and Travel 2. It is a new destination for Austravel


this year, and Managing Director Joel Saunders says: “We offer a choice of six hotels across the main island of Upolu and the island of Savaii, with excursions available too. Samoa can be perfectly combined with an Australia or New Zealand holiday or as a stand-alone holiday option.” Travel 2 Assistant Product and


Purchasing Manager, Heather Colbourn, adds: “Savaii is well matched to holidaymakers wanting adventure. Samoa is an authentic and rustic Polynesian experience, and now it has moved across the international dateline it is one of the first places to see the sunrise.” Alison Cryer, Director UK & Ireland of


the Samoa Tourism Authority, says: “2012 is the year to ‘Celebrate Samoa’ as the nation marks the 50th anniversary


of independence from New Zealand. There’s a bustling calendar of events such as the International Game Fishing Tournament, and a Tatau festival leading up to the main celebrations on June 1, and on June 23, Samoa play Scotland in a rugby international.”


What’s New Airline Polynesian Blue has re-branded as Virgin Samoa and continued its flight schedule to Auckland, Sydney and Brisbane.


Where To Book It TRAVEL 2 – 0800 0224 182 www.travel2.com A five-day Essential Samoa package, with flights and two extra nights in Sinalei Resort, is now £2,139pp, and must be booked before April 2 for travel between April 1 and June 18 2012.


JETSET – 0845 0252 777 www.jetsetflights.co.uk A four-night add-on stay at Litia Sini Beach Resort, based on half-board with return flights from Auckland with Virgin Samoa and return transfers, costs from £629pp. •


Pictures: Samoa's beaches are of the picture- postcard variety; welcoming smiles; natural beauty extends into the interior


www.sellinglonghaul.com • March 2012 53


General Information


VISAS: Not needed for stays of less than 60 days.


WHEN TO GO: Year-round average temperature of 28-30°C with the dry season from April to November.


DEPARTURE TAX: A tax of ST$40 (£10) applies to all travellers over 12.


TIME: GMT + 11/12 hours.


GETTING THERE: Etihad Airways code share with Virgin Samoa, which flies three times a week from Sydney, six days a week from Auckland and once-weekly from Brisbane. Air New Zealand flies six days a week from Auckland, while Air Pacific operates three times a week from Fiji and once a week from Honolulu.


TRAINING: www.sellsamoa.com


CONTACTS: Samoa Tourism Authority - 020 8877 4512; www.samoa.travel; samoa@representationplus.co.uk


Sell more Samoa


Selling Tip


“The South Pacific isn't always pricey. Rates for fale beach resorts start from £30 a night, and a beer is just 60p!”


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