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Sustainable Success: Transforming Samoa’s Tourism Landscape

In the heart of the South Pacific, Samoa is not just an island nation but a haven for breathtaking landscapes and vibrant cultures. To further enhance its allure and sustainability, the Samoa Tourism Authority (STA) has spearheaded a series of initiatives that promise a brighter, greener future for tourism in the region.

In response to the growing demand for sustainable tourism, Samoa has undertaken a transformative journey to revitalize its key attraction sites. The Ma tree, Coastal Walk, Hiking trail, Le Mafa Pass, and Garden Toilets in the Piula area have undergone significant improvements. Initiated in 2023, this venture aims to elevate the visitor experience and boost socio-economic development around Samoa.

Workforce Capacity Development (Customer Service & First Aid Training)

Recognising the crucial role played by the tourism industry’s workforce, the STA launched comprehensive Customer Service and First Aid Training programs in collaboration with partners Samoa Hotel Association (SHA) and Red Cross. Commencing in October 2023 and concluding in March 2024, this initiative ensures the safety and security of visitors while elevating the standards of industry services across Savaii and Upolu.

Product Diversity (Business Registrations Increase)

A key pillar in Samoa’s sustainable tourism strategy is product diversity. Business registrations have surged since 2022, reflecting the nation’s commitment to offering a range of unique tourism experiences. This shift positions Samoa on a pathway for a sustainable recovery through increased private sector engagement. Most of the registrations received were from tour operators and accommodation providers.

Climate Change Unit Reinstated within the Authority

In October 2023, Samoa reinstated the Climate Change Unit within the STA, recognizing the urgent need to address climate-related challenges. The unit’s main function is to implement Programme Area 6 of the Samoa Tourism Sector Plan, focusing on the provision of education and training that supports the tourism industry and community needs. The work of the unit, which includes a Principal Climate Change Officer and a Climate Change Officer, is guided by the National Tourism Climate Change Adaptation Strategy. Some of the unit’s key projects include the review of the Tourism Development Area which is focused on preparedness, response and recovery during disasters, and an energy efficiency development program.

Village Signage’s Fabrication – National Beautification

In January this year, Samoa embarked on a national beautification project with the fabrication of village signages. This collaborative effort involving the STA, the New Zealand High Commission, contractors, and local communities aims to improve wayfinding for tourists and locals alike. The visually pleasing signages, complemented by maps and brochures, also set the stage for the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in 2024.

The above initiatives, backed by collaborative efforts with organisations including the support from the New Zealand High Commission, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE) and various partners, have yielded positive results.

The improved attraction sites, enhanced workforce capabilities, product diversity, climate resilience, legal oversight, and national beautification collectively promise Samoa’s tourism industry a sustainable and prosperous future.

As Samoa continues to weave its rich cultural tapestry with environmental sustainability, the archipelago stands poised to welcome travellers to an experience beyond the conventional, offering a harmonious blend of nature, culture, and resilience.

Photo Credit: Samoa Tourism Authority Corporate Website

For questions or comments, please email [email protected]

Catherine Mara

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Samoa Tourism Sector Plan 2022-2027 Launched

The Minister for Natural Resources and Environment and Tourism Hon. Toeolesulusulu Cedric Schuster, Samoa Tourism Authority and the Samoa Tourism Sector officially launched on Friday 10th February the Samoa Tourism Sector Plan 2022-2027 targeting the return of tourist arrival numbers pre-pandemic, and aspiring to achieve a new benchmark of 250,000 bonafide visitors annually.

The Minister emphasized the key strategic goals of the plan as:

• Rebranding of Beautiful Samoa to focus on what it is globally known and recognized for, such as our culture and heritage, our people, our pristine environment, as well as a safe and vibrant destination for all forms of events
• Refocusing our marketing approach to utilize our people and ambassadors, targeting niche markets tailored to our strengths, and utilizing all forms of multimedia platforms,
• Enhancing destination competitiveness by improving transport, infrastructure and accessibility
• Creating a strong investment and business enabling environment
• Investing in training and development needs, and
• Building resilience to climate and disasters, economic recessions, health risks and social issues

The Minister acknowledged all who contributed to the formulation of the sector plan as well as to the development of the sector, and encouraged everyone to continue to work together to achieve the sector’s vision for a more resilient, inclusive and green Samoa as a tourism destination, and sustainable tourism recovery and growth in five years, in line with the Pathway for Development of Samoa 2026 and Sustainable Development Goals 2030.

The Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries Hon. Laauli Leuatea Polataivao Fosi cut the ribbon to officiate the launch of the Samoa Tourism Sector Plan for the next 5 years.

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The Guide to Ecotourism in Samoa

How to plan a more eco-friendly trip to samoa.

While climate change can seem like a distant issue, the impact of global warming is certainly present on the islands of the South Pacific . Although Samoa  has some marine reserves and conservation areas to protect its flora, fauna and reefs, the nation has had its issues with balancing environmental and social sustainability while trying to grow its tourism industry. As is a common theme for anyone trying to live a more sustainable lifestyle, it’s up to us  travellers to be mindful of the tourism operators used, as well as be careful with the environment and respectful of communities in order to travel more sustainably. Nevertheless, ecotourism in Samoa is alive and we’re here to guide you through it.

Quick Tips for More Eco-Friendly Travel in Samoa

Although our guide to ecotourism in Samoa will go into much more detail on eco-friendly and ethical travel in Samoa, here are some quick sustainability tips to get you started.

• Stay at beach fales and eco-lodges to reduce your environmental impacts
• Join an   eco-tour  for a tourism operator doing good things for the environment and/or local people
• Minimise your waste by packing a reusable water bottle, plastic-free toiletries, shopping bags etc.
• Use public transport or bicycles where possible
• Take the  most direct flight to Samoa
• Use  reef-safe sunscreen   and  natural insect repellent
• Be careful to  not stand on or damage coral .

And there’s more where that came from over in the 31 Ways to Travel More Sustainably in Samoa .

Eco-Resorts and Beach Fales in Samoa

Resorts tend to play a huge part in a Samoa getaway. Choosing an eco-resort or eco-lodge can help reduce your environmental impact tremendously, although there are very few resorts in Samoa that are actively taking a more sustainable approach. Nevertheless, some of Samoa’s more traditional accommodations, beach fales, have an incredibly low impact in comparison to mainstream tourist accommodations, making this iconic style of stay also a healthier choice for the environment and local communities.

We go over the benefits of staying in Samoa’s eco-resorts, beach fales and more over in How to Choose Sustainable Accommodation in Samoa .

The Best Eco-Friendly Resorts in Samoa

• Salani Surf Resort
• Dave Parker Eco Lodge
• Sinalei Reef Resort & Spa
• Samoan Highland Retreat

Find out much more about what these resorts and accommodations are doing for the environment in the 5 Best Eco-Resorts in Samoa .

Ethical Beach Fales and Guesthouses

When it comes to supporting local businesses, staying at guesthouses and beach fales is a more ethical and environmentally friendly accommodation than a large resort owned by some distant overseas corporation. Furthermore, beach fales are traditionally constructed using natural materials such as local timber and palm fronds, so they are even less impactful than more modern accommodations even down to their construction.

On the other hand, staying at guesthouses, B&Bs and motels is a more ethical and environmentally friendly accommodation than a large resort or hotel due to their size. These small-scale accommodations are not only run by locals but tend to host a larger number of people per square metre. By having shared bathrooms, set breakfasts/dinners for less food waste, and communal spaces like a lounge, they also tend to use much fewer resources per guest.

Learn more about where you can find guesthouses in the 10 Best Guesthouses & B&Bs in Samoa and beach fales in the 20 Best Beach Fales in Samoa .

Eco-Tours and Attractions in Samoa

Samoa is home to a plethora of eco-friendly and ethical tourist attractions; the biggest highlights are the country’s natural wonders, after all! What’s more, a small number of tours either have their own environment-enhancing initiatives, while others focus on low-impact solutions to enjoying Samoa’s wilderness.

Natural Attractions in Samoa

As mentioned, Samoa is blessed with gorgeous waterfalls, beaches, lava caves that are home to rare swiftlets, coral reefs, lush native rainforest and the list goes on. Unlike some countries, however, visitors to these attractions are expected to pay an entry fee, even if it’s usually just a few tala . Considering these funds are used to preserve natural sites, as well as fund other projects in the community, these fees may be seen as preferable to locals having to rely on other forms of income from these sites, such as exploiting them for resources.

Learn more about entry fees in our guide to Samoan Etiquette: Samoa Customs & Traditions  and see some of Samoa’s most breathtaking eco-tourism attractions in The Top 20 Natural Wonders in Samoa .

National Parks, Reserves and Conservation Areas in Samoa

Samoa is home to several national parks, reserves and conservation areas where the country’s unique biodiversity is protected. Where reserves are on government-managed land, sites and attractions are free to visit, while those on privately owned land typically have a fee in exchange for a guided walk.

National Parks in Samoa

• O Le Pupu Pu’e National Park
• Lake Lanoto’o National Park

Learn more about the free walks and waterfalls of these national parks in the  50 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Samoa .

Marine Reserves in Samoa

• Aleipata Marine Protected Area
• Palolo Deep Marine Reserve
• Safata Marine Protected Area
• Savaia Giant Clam Sanctuary

Find out more about snorkelling at these marine reserves in The Best Snorkelling in Samoa: Top 10 Places to Snorkel .

Conservation Areas in Samoa

• Aleipata Islands
• A’opo Conservation Area
• Central Savai’i Rainforest
• Falealupo Rainforest Reserve
• Sa’anapu Conservation Area
• Tafua Rainforest Preserve
• Uafato Conservation Area

Check out guided walks at some of these conservation areas in the  15 Best Walks & Hikes in Samoa .

Reserves in Samoa

• Apia Central Reserve
• Fa’avaeileatua Reserve
• Fuluasou Botanical Garden
• Malololelei Recreation Reserve
• Magiagi Reserve
• Taumeasina Reserve
• Tusitala Historic and Nature Reserve (Mount Vaea)
• Vailele Reserve (‘Ao o le Malo Reserve)
• Vaigaga Reserve
• Vaimoso Reserve
• Vaitele East Reserve
• Vaitele West Reserve

Eco-Tour Operators in Samoa

Some of the top eco-tours in the country include:

• Lalotalie ECAT Ventures – Waterfall adventure tour through conservation and restoration area with active initiatives like tree-planting, etc.
• Rainforest Runaway Ecotours – Educational nature, sightseeing and hiking tours
• Outdoor Samoa – Low-impact adventures via bike, e-bikes and kayaks
• Samoa SUP Tours – Low-impact watersport with rotation in mangrove forests visited
• Uafato Bird Hide Trail – Education in native forest life at this remote bird hide in the Uafato Conservation Area.

And learn much more about these operators and others in the 10 Best Eco Tours in Samoa .

Tips for Sustainable Transport in Samoa

More often than not, our biggest environmental impact when travelling is, well, the travelling part. There are, however, some ways to reduce your carbon footprint when it comes to transport in Samoa.

How to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint on Your Way to Samoa

While carbon offsetting programs aren’t an excuse to fly more, they can help toward neutralising the associated danger to the planet. Most airlines have the option to pay a carbon offsetting organisation for the amount of CO2 you will emit on your flight. However, you can always do your own research and choose a reputable company with a proven program that invests in renewable energy.

Take the most direct flight to Samoa. Nonstop flights generally require less fuel than flights that need to land and take off again. Check out Which Airlines Fly Directly to Samoa?  for details on how to fly more directly.

How to Travel Around Samoa More Sustainably

Use public transport . Despite the gas-guzzling monsters some of these vehicles are, taking the bus in Samoa has much lower carbon emissions per head than, for instance, renting your own car.

If renting your own vehicle is preferred, however, choose one of Samoa’s scooter rentals which uses much less fuel per person than cars. Samoa does not yet have electric vehicles for rent.

Ideally though, either one of Samoa’s main islands provides the perfect terrain for a multi-day cycle-touring (or bikepacking) holiday. Riding at a natural pace through Samoa’s quaint villages and staying at a different beach fale each night is an amazing way to see the country.

For more advice on the subject, check out the 5 Eco-Friendly Alternatives to Renting a Car in Samoa .

Eco-Friendly Packing Tips for Samoa

Mindful packing not only means that you may save a few bucks on excess luggage fees, but it also can help you be less wasteful while visiting Samoa.

• Only take  reef-safe sunscreen with you to Samoa to protect the reefs from harmful chemicals found in traditional sunscreens
• Only use  natural insect repellents  to protect your skin and the environment from harmful chemicals
• To avoid having to buy bottled water, take a reusable water bottle, such as the  Lifestraw Bottle , that removes 99.9999% of waterborne bacteria
• Pack plastic-free toiletries, such as  Ethique shampoo bars , to avoid using plastic-heavy resort toiletries. Plus, no shampoo explosions from your flight!
• Choose luggage that is durable and made with recyclable materials, such as  Herschel’s Eco Collection .

And, as we are sure from someone reading this guide about sustainable travel in Samoa, we don’t need to tell you to skip wrapping your luggage in plastic film at the airport…

For more sustainable packing tips, head to the 30 Ways to Travel More Sustainably in Samoa .

More About Ecotourism in Samoa

That’s it for our guide to ecotourism in Samoa. For more sustainability advice, check out the following guides:

• How to Choose Sustainable Accommodation in Samoa
• 5 Eco-Friendly Alternatives to Renting a Car in Samoa
• 5 Best Eco Resorts in Samoa

Finally, get even more tips for your trip to Samoa using the 30 Tips for Travelling in Samoa .

This article was reviewed and published by Laura, editor-in-chief and co-founder of Samoa Pocket Guide. Since arriving solo in the South Pacific over 10 years ago with nothing but a backpack and a background in journalism, her mission has been to show the world how easy (and awesome) it is to explore a paradise such as Samoa. She knows the islands inside out and loves sharing tips on how best to experience Upolu and Savai’i’s must-dos and hidden gems. Laura is also the editor of several other South Pacific travel guides.

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The Samoa Tourism Visitor Information Fale, on Beach Road in the heart of Apia, is your one-stop-shop for free travel advice and bookings for tours, activities, and accommodation in Samoa.

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A visitor information desk is also open at Samoa's international airport

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