The total international arrival statistics recorded for December 2023 totaled 30,224 arrivals, revealing an increase of 63.9 per cent over the previous month of November 2023.

Those who travelled to Samoa by air represented 92.5 per cent while 7.5 per cent was represented by those who travelled by sea.

Overall visitor numbers for the month under review stood at 22,512 revealing an increase of 75.1 per cent over the previous month of November 2023.

Visitors made up the largest component of all arrivals with 69.5 percent (21,006), represented by 36.1 per cent females (10,911) and 33.4 per cent males (10,095). Male returning residents made up 15.3 per cent (4,610) of total arrivals while their female counterparts made up 10.3 per cent (3,102).

New Zealand remains as the leading country in visitors’ arrival by country of usual residence accounting for 48.2 per cent of total visitors or 10,848 visitors. Australia followed next with a distant 31.1 per cent share (6,993).

United States of America reported 7.8 percent (1,752 visitors) while American Samoa reported 5.8 percent (1,316) of total visitors.

As usual, the Oceanic Region had the highest share of total visitors with 87.9 per cent, followed by America with 8.0 per cent. Asia reported a share of 3.0 per cent while Europe reported the least share of 0.9 per cent.

The principal source markets namely New Zealand, Australia, American Samoa and the United States of America constitute 92.9 per cent of all visitors visiting Samoa in December 2023.

Air New Zealand carried the highest share of passengers to Samoa with a 38.9 per cent share, (11,749 passengers) followed by Fiji Airways with a 22.1 per cent share (6,693 passengers). Virgin Australia brought in 10.1 per cent (3,055 passengers) of total arrivals while Samoa Airways and Quantas recorded shares of 8.6 per cent (2,597) and 7.5 per cent (2,272) respectively.

On the other hand, the majority of visitors (80.1 percent or 17,700 visitors) reported staying in private accomodations or with families/ relatives while 17.0 per cent (3,747) stayed in hotel/ motel.