Another group of approximately 200 passengers has arrived on the second direct flight from China which landed on Saturday night, 3rd of June and are currently exploring the country on a seven-day visit.

They arrived at 7.00pm and the return flight to China on Sunday 04 June 2023 flew back with the 250 tourists from the first group after spending seven days in Samoa.

Samoa Royal tours who are the sole tour providers for the first and second groups posted on their Facebook page of the second group's visit to the St. Theresa of the Child Jesus Lepea Catholic Church on Sunday morning.

The post also showed photos of the visitors touring the town area and a short visit to the Cathedral in Mulivai Apia.

Buses loaded with the Chinese tourists were spotted at the Farmer Joe supermarket's parking area stopping for some shopping.

Meanwhile, Samoa Tourism Authority (S.T.A.) Chief Executive Officer (C.E.O), Pativaine Petaia Tevita during the arrival of the first group from these direct flights from China said she sees great benefits from this significant flight with the passengers pouring in more for the economy of the country through the tourism sector.

"It's something our country had long planned and prepared for especially with the Chinese market," she said.

"This flight will be very good for the sector, as everyone understands there was a great impact to the sector since the borders were closed so whatever is planned for the trip. Our focus is on the passengers using our hotels, visiting sites and pouring in money to Samoa to help with the recovery and our economy."

The first group were accommodated at the St Therese Resort, St Therese Retreat, Samoa Traditional Resort, Le Ric Accommodation, Alec Accommodation, Moatoga Hotel, Hotel Elisa, and the Le Sanita Hotel.

However, it is uncertain if the second group will be staying at the same hotels or not.

The direct flight is operated by Hainan Airlines and originates at the Haikou Meilan International Airport and it's the first in a series of charter flights confirmed over the coming months in a collaboration between Hong Kong based Travel Focus and the Samoan iconic Aggie Greys Hotel that aims to provide a bridge for tourism, trade and exports between the two countries. 

Weekly flights have been booked for the next month and will be a boost to the local tourism industry with nine hotels around Apia to host the incoming guests and in gearing up to major upcoming international conferences such as the Heads of the Commonwealth Governments (CHOGM) Meeting in October 2024. 

The guests on these direct flights will stay in Samoa for eight days before their next flight brings in another group of tourists and the return flights from Samoa to China are available for travel and cargo.