Samoa Visitors Bureau Electronic Newsletter

Talofa and welcome to our electronic "Tala Samoa" newsletter, keeping you up-to-date on what's happening in Samoa, the heart of Polynesia.

Samoa 2002 Calendars on sale now
The "Samoa 2002" Calendar, celebrating the nations "40th Anniversary of Independence" is now on sale from the Samoa Visitors Bureau. To purchase a copy, contact your nearest office of the Samoa Visitors Bureau - Samoa: info@visitsamoa.ws; Australia: samoa@ozemail.com.au; New Zealand: samoa@samoa.co.nz

NZ wholesalers release new Samoa brochures
New Zealand wholesalers Gullivers Holidays and Go Holidays have released their new Samoa 2002/2003 brochures. Gullivers 8 page brochure features 11 properties, on Upolu and Savaii, as well as car rentals, sightseeing and transfer information. Go Holidays 8 page brochure features 12 properties, an exploring Upolu & Savaii section, go driving options and travellers tips. For copies contact the respective wholesalers.

New SVB information officers
The Samoa Visitors Bureau has appointed two new staff member based in the Samoan Fale on Beach Rd in Apia. Suifua Suifua and AnaFa'asoa, both Diploma of Business (Tourism) graduates of the Samoa Polytechnic last year have joined the Marketing and Promotion team as information officers.

PH revise current schedule
Polynesian Airlines has revised is current schedule - AKL/APW Tue & Sun; APW/AKL Mon & Sat; AKL/TBU/APW Thu; APW/TBU/AKL Thu & Sat; AKL/PPT Mon & Wed; PPT/AKL Mon & Wed; AKL/SYD Mon, Tue & Fri; SYD/AKL Mon; SYD/TBU/APW Sat; APW/HNL Wed; HNL/APW Wed; APW/NAN Mon; NAN/APW Tue. For more information contact Polynesian Airlines or you CRS system.

Air New Zealand to change schedule effective 1st April, 2002
Air New Zealand will reduce its number of direct flights from Auckland to Apia from 3 to 2 per week effective 1st April 2002. The Monday service AKL/TBU/APW/LAX will continue to operate as scheduled. The reduced direct services will operate on Wednesdays NZ60 and Sundays NZ60, departing at 2330 and 2335 respectively, utilising 767-300 and 767-200 aircraft. For further details contact your nearest office of Air New Zealand or consult your CRS system.

Sa'Moana Resort offer game fishing charters
Sa'Moana Resort has introduced Game Fishing charters to its watersports activities. The resort has two boats available for the charters fitted out with all the necessary equipment to target such fish species as masi masi, sailfish, blue marlin, barracuda, wahoo and other varieties of tuna. Guests can choose between 2 charter options - The "All Exclusive" package includes return airfares, airport transfers, accommodation (5 - 7 days) 4 boat charters, 3 restaurant meals, scenic tour around Upolu and use of resort facilities. The "On Island" package is a daily charter of 6 hours including all equipment and a choice of breakfast or lunch. A maximum of 4 anglers has been set for either option, and participants have the choice of using the resort equipment or bringing their own. For further information on the "All Exclusive" package email shaun@worldsafaris.com, and for the "On Island" deal email the resort direct samoana@samoanaresort.com.

14th Annual Marist Samoa Sevens Tournament
2002 marks the 14th year of the Marist Samoa Sevens Tournament in Apia. Dates for this year's event are 22nd - 24th February. Forfurther information or to register a team entry, visit the Marist Samoa website - www.maristsamoa.ws.

New Hotel Kitano Tusitala website
The Hotel Kitano Tusitala has completed its new website, so take a look - www.kitano.ws.

New accommodation facilities open near Apia
The "Hidden Garden Stay" located on Vini Rd, Faatoia, just 5 minutes from Fagalii Airport, or 15 minutes from Apia offers 4 fales set in a private garden surroundings. Rate is ST$15 per person per night which includes breakfast. The property offers shared kitchen facilities and bathroom. For further information contact May Sapolu, ph (685) 25416. "Muatau House" located at Toomatagi, near the National University of Samoa is a large family home offering 5 single rooms and 4 double/twin rooms, 2 living rooms, 4 bathrooms and 2 kitchens. Rates start from ST$20 single and short and long term rentals are available. For further information contact Afamasaga Suatai, ph (685) 20700, 25388 (a/h), fax (685) 25388 or email line@samoalive.com.

Samoa features in travel brochure from Denmark
Samoa has been chosen as one of only two South Pacific destinations featured in Gate Eleven Rejsebureau's of Denmark, new travel brochure. For further information or a copy contact Lars Hansen email lah@gateleeven.dk.

Last days for holiday deals to Samoa ex NZ
There is just days left for Air New Zealand's "Gotta Go New Year Sale" deals which includes Samoa from NZ$959 for 5 nights, return airfares share twin. Lead in property is Hotel Kitano Tusitala (Garden room). Prices for Aggie Grey's Hotel start from NZ$1135 (Standard Garden/Poolside room) and Sinalei Reef Resort from NZ$1429 (Garden View Fale). A range of bonuses is available at each of the properties. Extra night rates available. Minimum stay 5 nights, maximum stay 21 nights. Sales end 21st January, with travel completed by 30th June 2002. Meanwhile Polynesian Airlines and Travel Arrangements are offering a 7-night deal to Samoa starting from NZ$1059 per person, share twin. Lead in property is the Hotel Kitano Tusitala (Garden room). Rate for Aggie's is NZ$1135 (Garden/Poolside room) and Sinalei Reef Resort NZ$1545 (Garden View Fale). Two Savaii options are also available, 3 nights Le Lagoto Beach Resort (Beach Fale)/4 nights Hotel Kitano Tusitala (Garden room) NZ$1389 or 3 nights Stevenson's at Manase (Beach villa)/4 nights Hotel Kitano Tusitala (Garden room) NZ$1555. A range of bonuses is available at each of the properties along with extra night rates. A travel via Sydney option is available which includes return airfares AKL/SYD/APW/AKL, 3 nights Hotel UniLodge (Run of the house room) Sydney/ 4 nights Hotel Kitano Tusitala (Garden room) and 4 free 3 course dinners for NZ$1229 per person, share twin. The PH deals have minimum 4 nights, maximum stay 30 days. Sales end 1st February, with travel completed by 30th April, 2002. For further information on all the above deals contact the relevant airline or wholesaler.

Samoa 2002 Calendar of Events
January
4th Head of State's Birthday
4th - 5th Head of State's Birthday Golf Tournament

February
22nd - 24th Marist Samoa Sevens Tournament

March
22nd World Water day

April
26th - 28th Chanel College 40th Anniversary
27th Moata'a Vailima Lager 10 A-Side Tournament

May
10th Mothers Day Flower Show
13th Mothers of Samoa Day

June
1st 40th Independence Anniversary

August
12th - 17th Samoa International Game Fishing Tournament

September
1st - 7th Teuila Festival
2nd - 6th South Pacific Trade Fair 2002
7th Miss Samoa Pageant
Apia Yacht Club Annual Raft Race
9th - 15th The Island Jazz Festival

October
7th - 14th Oceania Optimist Championship Regatta
13th White Sunday
14th Lotu-A-Tamaiti Tidal Palolo Rise - Savaii Island

November
1st Arbor Day
Tidal Palolo Rise - Upolu Island

December
1st Robert Louis Stevenson Memorial Service
12th - 24th 13 Days of Christmas
25th Christmas Day
26th Boxing Day

HOW TO CONTACT US:
Samoa:
Samoa Visitors Bureau, Ph +685 63500, Fax +685 20886, Email info@visitsamoa.ws

Australia:
Samoa Visitors Bureau, Ph +612 98245050, Fax +612 98245678, Email samoa@ozemail.com.au

New Zealand:
Samoa Visitors Bureau, Ph +649 3796138, Fax +649 3798154, Email samoa@samoa.co.nz

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To receive the newsletter directly or be removed from the mailing list, please email your details to the address below.

"Tala Samoa" is produced by:
Samoa Visitors Bureau
PO Box 68423
Newton
Auckland
New Zealand
Ph (09) 3796138
Fax (09) 3798154
Email: samoa@samoa.co.nz