A partnership between Samoa Tourism Authority (S.T.A.) and new Super Rugby franchise Moana Pasifika will assist boost the country's tourism recovery.

The S.T.A. Chief Executive Officer Fa'amatuainu Lenatai Suifua, in an interview with the Samoa Observer on Tuesday, said they see a lot of potential in the partnership reinvigorating Samoa's tourism sector.

"We see the potential in terms of sports tourism and we know that sports is one of the multi-million in terms of not only the investment but the revenue that's gonna come, not to mention the marketing," he said.

Moana Pasifika is a rugby union team made up of players who identify with Pacific Island nations including Samoa, Fiji, Tonga and Cook Islands organised by New Zealand Super Rugby which will compete in the Super Rugby competition.

Moana Pasifika has been provided with an avenue and platform and Fa'amatuainu said that way – before the team even started to make the waves in terms of the marketing and getting their license – their team at the S.T.A. had reached out to them. 

"So we reached out and they were surprised as well," he said in an interview with this newspaper. "Our marketing team reached out and then they started then negotiation and then Moana actually tailor made the deal for us. 

"The deal actually Samoa is one of their major sponsors so the Beautiful Samoa brand will be on the jersey. 

"And also the Beautiful Samoa signage will be on their home field so the team is based in new Zealand but we’ll have Beautiful Samoa on the field as well as their major promotions and also there will be a game over here."

Having the opportunity to host a game in Samoa is also a good opportunity, says Fa'amatuainu as it will lead to the filling up of hotels in the country while also utilising the various facilities.

"So it's gonna be a big boost for us," he said.

Fa'amatuainu added that they have also received assistance from the New Zealand Maori Tourism and described the marketing is amazing as millions of viewers will be able to see the Beautiful Samoa signage.

He said it's promotions during home games would also be a benefit for Samoa and be much needed assistance in the recovery of the local tourism sector.

"It's gonna be a really good opportunity as part of the recovery so once we get this, the Moana Rugby will actually promote, help us promote Samoa," he said.