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Our reporter/
Apia, Samoa – August 26, 2024 – The Samoa Tourism Authority (STA) would like to assure overseas travellers, tourists and stakeholders that beautiful Samoa is always safe as the recent dengue fever outbreak is over.
Last week, the Ministry of Health announced that the dengue outbreak, which was declared in October 2023, is over.
Since the outbreak began, 496 laboratory-confirmed cases of dengue have been reported.
During the outbreak, the Ministry of Health coordinated extensive mosquito control efforts, including village clean-ups in partnership with the district’s Fono Fa’avae organization, aimed at reducing mosquito breeding sites.
The ministry has also disinfected schools, hotels, hospitals and other important places.
National efforts to hold CHOGM
With less than two months to go until the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), villages across the country are working hard to preserve the pristine beauty of their surroundings.
From village and family elders to young children, Samoans are actively involved in re-arranging their front yards and roadside gardens.
Visitors are entertained at the Samoa Tourist Village.
Tourism industry recovers strongly
Tourism has rebounded strongly since the borders reopened in September 2022. Samoa’s tourism industry is experiencing a positive “growth” period.
Revenues for the period from August 22 to September 23 amounted to SAR 473.8 million, compared to SAR 554 million in the same period of 2018/19 (before the COVID-19 pandemic), a recovery rate of 84.84%.
The largest spending groups continue to be visitors, friends and family (VFR) and tourists holidaying in Samoa. The two main markets of New Zealand and Australia account for the majority of visitors.
Post-pandemic, the average total spending per tourist was approximately $3,341, exceeding the pre-pandemic average spending per tourist of $3,040. While this is a significant increase, it remains to be seen whether the additional spending is related to inflation.
Tourists arrive at Apia Port on the Westerdam cruise ship.
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