Tuesday 24 June 2014

THE NEWLY LAUNCHED SAMOA SMART GUIDE APP IS EXCELLENT FOR TRAVELLERS DISCOVERING THE TREASURED ISLANDS

Developed by Polynesian Xplorer, the Samoan Tourism Authority is excited for the launch of the brand new Samoa Smart Guide app aimed at offering visitors to Samoa an easy and user-friendly way to plan their trip and discover the sites whilst they explore the Treasured Islands of the South Pacific.

The app aims to be a complete local insider’s guide to Samoa with details on where to stay and dine, information on the best sights of Samoa, entertainment, wellness, organic gardens and plantations, the best roadside barbecues and local cuisine, handicrafts and local artists, as well as government and visitor services in Samoa.

Taga Blow Holes
With the “Favourites” and “Around Me” options, visitors can easily create and amend their itinerary (another clever feature of the app) and discover hidden sites and attractions through the eyes of the locals. Whether users are looking for action and adventure activities, natural wonders, cultural activities or simply just the best beaches, the app can filter search results through a number of categories including: bays, beaches, churches, galleries, islands, landmarks, museums, reserves & natural parks, rivers & streams and sightseeing & nature.

Some of the top recommended sites include the Taga Blowholes, a natural wonder formed by the sheer pressure of the sea forcing its way up through the lava fields. On days when the conditions are right the water can be propelled up to 30m into the air showcasing the power of nature at its most impressive.

The Afu A’au waterfall is another must-see recommendation. This idyllic lagoon is situated on the island of Savai’i and offers fantastic scenery and cool waters to escape from the Samoan heat. A top picnic spot, with its turquoise waters and lush greenery the waterfall is a real paradise hideaway. For visitors who stay on the main island of Upolu the To Sua Trench is a must-visit as one of the iconic images of the destination. The natural ocean trench is reached by a ladder descending down into the depths and is one of the most-breathtaking experiences in Samoa.

To Sua Trench
For culture vultures the app has information on activities including the Robert Louis Stevenson museum which is located in the renovated home of the author, built after he visited and fell in love with the destination. In addition to numerous impressive and beautifully constructed churches there is also the Museum of Samoa which contains a striking collection of artefacts and historical images pertaining to Samoa's rich culture and dynamic history.

Samoa is a destination for adventurers and the app can also advise visitors on the best places to get that adventure thrill, be it from hiking up volcanos, kayaking between islands, trekking through the rainforest, taking part in the canopy walk, swimming with turtles or biking around the islands. At the end of the day after all that action it can even recommend the best beaches and spas to kick back, unwind and make the most of the Fa’a Samoa.

The app is available on Google Play and on the iTunes app store and can be downloaded on most iPhones and Android devices:




For more information on activities in Samoa, visit www.samoa.travel

Friday 6 June 2014

Samoa’s Business Increases from the European Travel Trade Following its Samoa Tourism Exchange 2014

The Samoa Tourism Authority is already reaping the benefits of the 2014 Samoa Tourism Exchange (STE) and Familiarisation Trip aimed to promote the South Pacific dream destination to key contacts of the European travel trade.

Commenting on his recent journey to Samoa, Jamie Anthony, Sales Manager, Edwin Doran Sports said: “The fam trip to Samoa offered me a chance to experience a country that has all the wonder and beauty one could need. When I returned to tell clients of stories of my experiences they were able to see that twinkle in my eye and know the passion I now have for the country after our visit.”

Other UK participants on the trip were Kaye Rankin, Allways Tailor Made; CĂ©line Fortin, the Natural Travel Collection and Malcolm James, Transpacific Holidays. Ursula Erne from Switzerland’s Ozeania Reisen, Hein Davelaar from the Netherland’s QAS Holidays and Nicole Piskurek from Germany’s Pacific Travel House also took part in the familiarisation tour.

Apart from the workshop, the itinerary covered Samoa’s best attractions giving the participants an overview of all Samoa has to offer. Highlights of the trip included a tour of Samoa’s renowned natural sites and insight into local cultural traditions, arts and crafts and of course the island’s tantalising South Pacific cuisine. Participants also got the opportunity to do site inspections covering a wide range of properties from traditional beach fales to upmarket four-star hotels.

Alison Cryer, UK and Europe Director, Samoa Tourism Authority commented: “nothing beats first-hand experience when it comes to programming and selling a destination and we feel this is an incremental part of further promoting Samoa”. She added: “this annual event, the STE, is a two-day annual workshop allowing international agents and operators to meet with many local suppliers in a short space of time and discuss future business opportunities”.
Many of the participants have since been in contact to say that they have experienced increased bookings to Samoa thanks to their improved product knowledge and ability to sell the destination. Ozeania Reisen will also be sending out a full newsletter on Samoa shortly following the trip.
For more information on travel trade opportunities in UK and Europe, contact Cindy Landlust, UK and Europe Sales Manager at samoa@representationplus.co.uk or call + 44 (0) 20 8877 4502.

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For Media Enquiries Please Contact:
Anna Wolstenholme
Tel: +44 208 877 4511
E-mail: anna@representationplus.co.uk
www.representationplus.co.uk

Notes to Editors:
Pictures available on request


Samoa
The Treasured Islands of the South Pacific are the true heart of Polynesia and Samoa is one of the first places in the world to see the sunrise. Ten islands of stunning wild beauty, five only of which are inhabited, Samoa - or The Independent State of Samoa as it is formally known so as to avoid confusion with American Samoa, is paradise waiting to be explored. From powder soft beaches, to warm tropical seas, colourful coral reefs alive with marine life. The rugged, lush interiors reveal endless wildlife, waterfalls and hiking trails. Former home and resting place of Robert Louis Stevenson, also known as ‘Tusitala’. Samoa is less than four hours from Auckland and approximately five hours from Sydney and Brisbane on Virgin Samoa flights on www.virginaustralia.com. www.samoa.travel