The Samoa Tourism Sector Plan (S.T.S.P) 2022-2027 was launched on Friday and with it the Government plans to make Samoa a better, more sustainable and resilient tourism destination.

Held at the Samoa Tourism Authority Fale, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Laaulialemalietoa Polataivao Schmidt was given the honour to cut the ribbon for the official opening of the S.T.S.P 2022-2027.

Minister of Tourism, Toesulusulu Cedric Schuster revealed that the sector plan lays down the pathway for the achievements of sustainable tourism economy and growth in the next five years after the economic and social downturns of the measles epidemic and the Covid-19 pandemic.

"The plan fundamentally aims not only to restore but to surpass the success of 2019 which was the peak year for tourism by dreaming big and laying down the ornament for a new benchmark on 215,000 bonafide tourists per year," he said.

"The tourism sector plan is steered by the strong belief for rebranding our beautiful Samoa to focus on what we are globally known for and recognised for such as our culture and heritage, our people and our pristine environment as well as a safe and vibrant destinations for all forms of the horizon.

"On refocusing our marketing approach to utilise our people and ambassadors targeting niche markets tailored to our strengths and utilising all forms of multimedia platforms, enhancing destination competitiveness by improving transports, infrastructure and accessibility, creating a strong investment and business enabling environment, investing in training and development needs, and building resilience to climate and disasters, economic recessions, health risks and social issues.

"Just as Rome wasn’t built in a day, I accept that the recovery phase will take time. However, with the sector’s confidence of a more resilient, inclusive, and green Samoa as a tourism destination, coupled with a firm commitment and support of the tourism sector members and community, I am confident that we are on track in building that better."

This plan updates the S.T.S.P 2014-1019 which outlines the sector's vision, goal, and a continuing framework of actions, in line with the Pathway for the Development of Samoa (P.D.S) 2021/2022 - 2025/2026 and the Samoa 2040.

In the Samoa 2040 Plan launched by the Ministry of Finance in 2021, the Tourism is listed as one of the four pillars for driving the nation's economic growth in the coming decades. 

The plan predicts that tourism will be the largest driver of the nation's economic growth by 2040, accounting for roughly $500 million of the nation's Gross Domestic Product by $1.25 billion by 2040.

Prior to the launching of the plan, S.T.A officials conducted extensive consultations with stakeholders as well as a review on the Sector Plan 2014-2019 to assess risks and challenges experienced in the sector to ensure a successful delivery of the plan.

Toesulusulu acknowledged stakeholders and donor partners of the sector for their continuous assistance and support for tourism developments in Samoa.

"A special faafetai to the government of New Zealand on its’ ongoing support for Samoa Tourism growth program, the Samoa Tourism recovery and resilience sector plan, and the preparation of the Samoa Tourism Sector Plan," he said.

"Words of encouragement for those who will be involved in the implementation, I look forward to working in collaboration with all the stakeholders over the next five years in alignment and support of the 2030 sustainable development goals, and the pathway for developments of Samoa 2026.

"A vibrant and flourishing beautiful Samoa holds well for more and better employment opportunities in thriving private sector, reconnection and appreciation of our beloved natural and cultural heritage and just as important, a major boost for our economic growth. I am excited and enthusiastic at the endless opportunities over the horizon."