The festive season brought a much about change for beach fale operators along the south coast as Samoa's opened borders brought loads of visitors both local and international.

Samoans living abroad with families from Apia and foreign national swarmed to the coasts turning around the economic situation. For the last two years, there has been almost zero activity with fears of the pandemic and lockdowns in place.

According to a beach fale operator from Lalomanu, Uta'isolo Dennis Ropeti, he made a handsome sum of money just from the day visitors.

"There were so many people that we had to refer them to the other fales nearby," he said. 

A New Zealand Samoan visitor, Nanai Funa said he was heading to Vavau Beach Fales because he had heard that they were selling 'umu' food.

"I paid for a luau and taro, before I took a drive with my nephew to go line fishing," he said.

Manusina Beach Fales and Faofao Beach Fales were also packed with day visitors and some of them sleeping in the fales overnight. 

Lulu Rosa and Anita's Beach Fales in Lalomanu were packed with bar and nightclub patrons in the weekend. 

An Australian guest at one of the busiest beach fales, Lauren said the beach was amazing and people very kind. 

"With everything happening, and it being so busy, it still feels great to be here. It is like being at a home away from home," she said. 

"The staff go out of their way to help us, despite the many people they look after. I think that is special."

Businesswoman Fou Nofoagatotoa based in Vaoala and American Samoa, brought her staff and family who stayed in the villas on the beach. 

She said the food was great and they enjoyed their four days of rest and relaxation before going back to work.

It is understood that Saletoga Sands Resort and Spa, as well as Sinalei Reef Resort, were also very busy and had been re-directing guests to the south beach to enjoy the lunches outside their restaurants.

Some guests staying at beach fales said they were also moving to Apia to be closer to the airport on their departure dates. 

"We are going to stay at Sheraton Hotel before we leave, " said one family. 

Another family from New Zealand, stayed four days on the beach and headed to Savaii to stay for six nights before departing. 

"The hospitality here on the beaches are great. We can't wait to go to Savaii to see all the sites we hear about," said Mr. Ward.