Total arrivals into Samoa for the first quarter of 2023 totalled over 40,000 which is an increase of 21.4 per cent, according to the latest data released by the Samoa Bureau of Statistics.

A Report on International Arrival & Departure Statistics for First Quarter 2023 by the S.B.S. dated 2 May 2023 had the latest data. The report showed that visitors (including those in transit) made up the largest component of all arrivals with 33.1 per cent (14,445) recorded for males and 33.0 per cent (14,396) for females.

Male and female returning residents also account for 16.8 per cent (7,333) and 14.2 per cent (6,202) of total arrivals while temporary residents made up 1.8 per cent (765) for males and 1.2 per cent (530) for females.

As for visitors to Samoa by country of 'usual residence', New Zealand remained the leading country in terms of visitor arrival by country of usual residence and accounted for 46.1 per cent (13,886) of total visitors. Australia followed with a distant 23.3 per cent (7,025) while the U.S.A. recorded 8.0 per cent (2,398) followed by American Samoa with 7.4 per cent (2,225).

For visitors by region, the Oceania region had the highest share of total visitors with 82.7 per cent followed by the U.S. with 8.3 per cent. Asia reported a share of 6.1 per cent while Europe reported the least share with 2.4 per cent. 

As to the purpose of the visitors, visitors that entered Samoa's shores to "visit friends and relatives" accounted for 39.7 per cent of all visitors while those on holidays or vacation accounted for 32.8 per cent. Those who travelled to Samoa for other purposes accounted for 17.5 per cent. Business and conferences accounted for 5.2 per cent while transients bound for other destinations and sports registered 4.4 per cent and 0.5 per cent respectively. 

For carriers, Air New Zealand continued to lead the way for arrivals by carriers during the reference period with a 41.3 per cent share or 18,047 passengers followed by Fiji Airways with 24.7 per cent or 10,805 passengers. Samoa Airways recorded an 8.8 per cent share (3,850) while Qantas brought in 8.0 per cent (3,511). Talofa Airways flew in 7.0 per cent or 3,069 passengers in total for the reference period.

As to accommodation, 63.8 per cent of 18,374 visitors stayed in private accommodation or with families or relatives while 28.6 per cent or 8,242 of total visitors reported staying in hotels or hotels.