Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa said visitor arrivals compared to pre-COVID had recovered by more than 70 per cent as she officially opened the 33rd Teuila Festival on Sunday evening.

This signals the start of its week-long program and stealing the show at the church service were choirs from different Christian denominations.

Held at the E.F.K.S Hall in Sogi, the Malua Theological College choir kicked off Sunday's program with its principal, Reverend Dr. Vaitusi Nofoaiga sharing a biblical message to the gathering.

Declaring the Teuila officially opened, the Prime Minister, Fiame Naomi Mataafa in her opening remarks acknowledged the country’s achievements over the years as the country  slowly recovers from challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Three years ago due to COVID restrictions we had to transition the Teuila festival to a virtual format. Tonight, due to God's grace we are here to resume the celebrations," she said.

"The significance of tourism as a key revenue source for our nation can not be overemphasized and it gives me great pleasure to say that 12 months since borders reopened in August last year until July this year, the recovery of the sector compared to pre-COVID times due to visitor arrivals has been outstanding at 77.15 per cent.

"This surpasses our forecast which we made with much uncertainty during the period of COVID where a safe recovery was predicted only to start five years after the pandemic.

"I implore our people to continue to keep Samoa clean and beautiful, keeping our visiting friends and families safe and just to be the hospitable people that we are."

The exhibition of the Samoan culture through the Teuila festival that validates the branding "Beautiful Samoa" started on Sunday evening and will conclude with the Miss Samoa pageant on Saturday.

Meanwhile, four choirs from different denominations hailed impressive performances including the Ofisa Fogaa i Faleula Methodist Church Choir, Aiga Fesilafai Parish Choir of Nuu, Vaitele Fou Catholic Church choir, Congregational Christian Church Samoa (C.C.C.S.) Tanugamanono Choir, and the Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints – Apia Samoa Central Stake Choir.

Their song choices offered blessings for the country’s week-long celebrations and the future of Samoa.

The Ofisa Fogaa i Faleula Methodist Church Choir’s lyrics echoed the country’s motto “Faavae i Le Atua Samoa” (Samoa is founded on God).

The week-long festival will showcase Samoan cultural activities, choral exhibition, traditional siva Samoa dance competitions, siva ailao afi - fire knife dancing, live bandstands, variety shows, music concert, umu (Samoan ground oven) demonstration and tasting, tattooing and carving demonstrations, Floral Float Parade, and much more.

Fiame encouraged the general public to engage with and celebrate this year's festival.

The event was attended by the Deputy Head of State, Fiame and her Cabinet Ministers, Government officials, tourists, 10 Miss Samoa contestants, and a large public crowd.