International arrivals into Samoa for August show 21,752 entered the country last month but this is a decrease of 4.9 per cent in arrivals compared to the previous month of July.

The Samoa Bureau of Statistics in their latest statistics shows that total international arrivals into Samoa in August totals 21,752. The arrivals figures include visitors and returning residents.

Those who travelled to Samoa by air represented 96.1 per cent while 3.9 per cent was represented by those who travelled by sea.

Overall visitor numbers for the month under review stood at 16,471 revealing a decrease of 4.6 per cent over the previous month of July 2023.

Visitors made up the largest component of all arrivals with 67.2 per cent (14,609) represented by 35  per cent of females (7,611) and 32.2 per cent of males (6,998).

Male returning residents made up 14.2 per cent (3,085) of total arrivals while their female counterparts made up 10.1 per cent.

New Zealand remains the leading country in visitors’ arrival by country of usual residence accounting for 42.3 per cent of total visitors or 6,973 visitors. Australia followed next with a distant 27 per cent share (4,455).

American Samoa reported 7.5 per cent (1,233 visitors) while the United States of America reported 7.5 per cent (1,230) of total visitors.

The principal source markets namely New Zealand, Australia, American Samoa and the United States of America constituted 84.3 per cent of all visitors visiting Samoa in August 2023.

The majority of visitors (7,249) entered our shores for holiday and vacation while 5,056 entered our shores to visit friends and relatives.

Those who were here for sSports recorded 1,070 visitors while those on business reported 732 visitors.

Air New Zealand carried the highest share of passengers to Samoa with a 40 per cent share which was (8,700 passengers) followed by Fiji Airways with a 19.4 per cent share (4,220 passengers).

Virgin Australia brought in 11.6 per cent (2,526 passengers) of total arrivals while Qantas and Samoa Airways recorded shares of 8.6 per cent (1,875) and 6.9 per cent (1,499) respectively.

The majority of visitors (50.7 per cent or 8,014 visitors) reported staying in private accommodations or with relatives while 42.8 per cent (6,769) stayed in hotels.