SAMOA – About 75 percent of Samoa’s main island of Upolo was unaffected by the recent tsunami so major wholesaler Coral Seas says the destination continues to cater for all markets utilising this infrastructure.
Coral Seas head Jamie Strickland said that Samoa continued to attract a range of visitors following a “few tactical media campaigns which have been running since November 1â€.
He added, however, â€It will probably be about 12 months before pre-tsunami levels of travellers are reached.
“Of the four major resorts affected Coconuts Beach resort has indicated it will re-open on February 1 and Sinalei on April 1. Salani Surf and Seabreeze have yet to advise re-opening datesâ€.
Strickland said that the manager for Samoa Tourism Authority in Australia, Lorenzo McFarland, had organised an outdoor advertising campaign which will commence in Sydney and Brisbane during the first week of January.
It will utilise side strips on 40 buses in the two cities to announce, “It’s a great time to visit Samoaâ€.
Strickland added, “A ‘Big Push’ for Samoa is set for January and February with consolidated efforts through all our trade partners through press advertising and other media.â€
