Passengers arriving on the first commercial flights into Samoa after two and a half years, have praised the welcome ceremony set up by authorities at the Faleolo International Airport.

Since Monday, when Samoa's international borders reopened to the outside world, returning Samoan citizens as well as guests were greeted by cultural performances upon their arrival and gave them a glimpse of Samoan culture. 

The welcome ceremony and performances are part of the Samoa Tourism Authority's #Beautiful is back campaign to welcome visiting guests and Samoan families back to their homelands. 

The first commercial flight that touched down on Monday evening was a Fiji Airways flight which brought home 79 passengers. On Tuesday hundreds of people arrived at Faleolo courtesy of four different flights in Samoa Airways, Air New Zealand, Qantas and Talofa Airways. 

Passengers on the Air New Zealand flight were first greeted by cultural performances put together by Air New Zealand staff based in Samoa. 

There was also another performance inside the terminal by the Samoa Airport Authority (S.A.A) staff with additional performances by the Tasi and Ali'i Dance Group and Maeva String Band outside. 

Passengers were greeted by S.T.A. staff who offered each passenger with fresh floral leis upon their arrival. Among the passengers was a 65-year-old Samoan from Tuana'i who had been residing in New Zealand for 20 years. 

In an interview with the Samoa Observer, Apelu Atonio Tuitea said the effort by the Government to organise a welcome ceremony for their guests is commendable. 

"We are amazed and there's no word to describe how I feel at the moment," Mr. Tuitea told this newspaper. 

"I have been living in New Zealand for 20 years now and it's always a joy coming back home. However, this time around, I definitely feel honoured to have been welcomed in such a manner."

Due to the closure of international borders, Mr. Tuitea said he had not been able to visit his families in Samoa for more than five years. 

"So it's a great feeling to finally be here and I am happy and grateful."

The 65-year-old father then acknowledged the effort of all those who worked tirelessly to ensure arriving guests feel at home upon their exit.

"This is home for us and we have missed this about our people and especially the warm smiles and welcoming hearts of our people. 

"So for them to showcase that here at the airport, the point of entry for all incoming guests is just amazing. I applaud the efforts and hard work of those who had initiated this idea. 

"It has been amazing and I am proud of our people."

A few foreigners on the Air New Zealand flight on Tuesday afternoon were seen dancing to the beat of the drums from the cultural performances by the Tasi and Ali'i dance group as they exited the airport. 

Hundreds of locals crowded the Faleolo airport's arrival lounge eagerly waiting for the arrival of their loved ones.