Samoa as a tourism destination has been on the agenda all week at the 2016 Samoa Tourism Exchange in Apia. What do you think of Samoa as a destination? Why should people come to Samoa? And why would people not want to come to Samoa? Mathias Hukert asked in today’s Street Talk and this is what people said:

David Callan 
Gold Coast, Australia

This is my fifth time visiting Samoa, so I am very familiar with the destination. I think Samoa is a very beautiful country, the water here is very good, the people are warm and friendly, and there are lots of things to do because Samoa has so much to offer. It might not be the best place on earth for people who don’t like the hot weather, but apart from that, I wouldn’t know why anybody would not like to come here.

Katie Ulberg 
Vailoa Faleata, Samoa

People should consider visiting our country, because if they want to know what happens in the area of South Pacific, then it’s a must to come. I cannot think of any reason, why it wouldn’t be worth the trip to come and experience Samoa.

Alexandra Mauli Rankin 
Apia, Samoa

Visitors should come here because we’re one of the very few island nations that could preserve its traditions and cultures. It is not as commercialized as in the neighbouring islands and everything is still so authentic, from the people to the landscape. Even if somebody decides that he does not want to visit the country, he would be positively surprised of Samoa.

Melissa Teodoro
Toronto, Canada

I think Samoa is a beautiful place to come to because it’s a return to simplicity and you get to experience a culture in a way it always has been for thousands of years, and everyone should be part of it. Of course if you come from a country far away, it is a bit of a struggle, because there are no direct flights to the island so far, but if you plan to spend some time here on the island in the sense of a longer stay, then you will absolutely not regret your decision.

Gordon Howlett 
Bundoora, Australia

It’s a lovely country and it is an ideal location to come for fishing. There’s a great variety for game fishing as well as sports fishing. If there’s a reason why one should not visit Samoa, I still have got to find it.

Terrence Su’a 
Ululoloa, Samoa

Samoa is worth a visit mainly because of its rich culture and natural environment, including our traditional food as well as our beautiful beaches. Our People still share a certain genuineness to the visitors of our country. I don’t think Samoa is ready for the sort of high end market with luxury hotels. So if somebody wants this kind of experience, he has a hard time searching for that, or should consider not to visit Samoa.