A New Zealand lifestyle magazine editor is in the country as part of broader efforts by the Samoa Tourism Authority (S.T.A.) to market Samoa as a tourism destination. 

The S.T.A. Sales and Marketing Manager Dwayne Bentley confirmed the arrival of the Deputy Editor of VIVA lifestyle magazine in the country and confirmed that their travel itinerary includes a side trip to Savai'i.

"STA media visit program re-commenced with the reopening of borders to international travelers," he said.

Mr. Bentley confirmed that the authority is hosting mainstream media personnel and V.F.R visitors friends and relatives channels to promote Samoa since the opening of the country's borders internationally. 

"On the first flights from American Samoa, New Zealand and Australia (1-2 August) host of media (from mainstream and V.F.R channels) arrived in the country as part of the program," he said. 

"They were hosted to a range of experiences across both Upolu and Savai'i."

The authority's hosting of international media aligns with the strategic plans of the STA to prioritise marketing activities, added Mr. Bentley.

"The program is a key part of our international media and public relations activities. 

"It is closely aligned with strategies to prioritise marketing activities on targeting key source markets (including New Zealand) and drive brand awareness and increase travel preference for Samoa in key target markets by creating and placing destination content in earned media channels."

Asked if the local operators have been helpful during their promotion-drive of local tourist destinations, Mr. Bentley said the operators have always been helpful.

"The program is implemented in collaboration with the industry and local operators have and continue to be very helpful in the hosting of media and delivery of memorable Samoan experiences," he said.

A beach fale operator said that there has been several promoters being brought to the south coast by S.T.A. staff.

"I see many travel writers coming through with S.T.A. staff. That's a good sign. I hope they talk to the locals more to get a feel of our culture and what we have special from other countries in the region, because Samoa is very different," said the tourism operator.