KEYNOTE ADDRESS By Honourable Fiame Naomi Mata’afa, Prime Minister And Minister Of Tourism at the Official Opening of the Samoa Tourism Exchange 2025 – (Wednesday, 5th March 2025, Samoa Tourism Cultural Village)
Lau Susuga i le Taitai ole Sauniga, Reverand Ellice Soliola
Distinguished Members of the Diplomatic Corps
Distinguished Guests/ Participants
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Talofa Lava and a pleasant good evening to you all.
I am delighted to be in your company for the Opening ceremony this evening of the 2025 Samoa Tourism Exchange. On behalf of the Government, and especially the people of Samoa, it is my pleasure and honour to warmly welcome all of you to our beloved country, Beautiful Samoa.
The theme for this year, Resilient Tourism and a Sustainable Future, could not be more fitting, as we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of global travel while safeguarding the natural and cultural heritage that makes Samoa unique.
As we embark on this journey together, it’s essential to acknowledge that tourism has long been a cornerstone of our economy, providing vital income, employment, and opportunities for cultural exchange. It serves as a gateway, welcoming visitors to share in the beauty and richness of our Samoan heritage. Tourism is not just an Industry; it is now a key part of who we are as a community.
The past few years have tested our resilience as an industry with the tourism sector facing significant challenges. Natural disasters, climate change, evolving travel trends, and global crises have threatened to disrupt our livelihoods and diminish our resilience. It is essential that we adapt and innovate in response to these growing global challenges.
Resilience in tourism is not merely about withstanding challenges; it involves thriving in the face of adversity and turning obstacles into opportunities. It requires a collective effort to invest in smart infrastructure, empower local communities, embrace digital innovation, and adopt sustainable practices. As a nation, we must ensure that our tourism sector not only survives but flourishes.
To our tourism operators, Sustainability is no longer an option; it is a necessity. This means prioritizing eco-friendly initiatives, supporting local businesses, and respecting the traditional ways of life that make Samoa unique. As we welcome visitors, we also entrust them with the responsibility to cherish and protect our islands—this is the essence of sustainable travel.
To our international agents and wholesalers. As we engage in discussions throughout this exchange, let us remember the power of storytelling. Every visitor to our islands is an opportunity to share our vibrant culture, our traditions, and our way of life. When we tell our stories authentically, we invite the world to experience the warmth of our “aiga,” our family, our people, and our island home.
As I conclude, I would like to acknowledge the support from the Government of New Zealand through the Samoa Tourism Resilient and Recovery (STRR) Program, which made this event possible. Furthermore, I recognised the valuable contributions of all our sponsors for this year’s event, particularly our Main Sponsors, Fiji Airways, and Air New Zealand, in enhancing the experiences for all delegates at this event. Faafetai Faafetai tele lava.
I am pleased to declare the Samoa Tourism Exchange 2025 officially opened and wish you well in your deliberations.
God bless, Soifua ma ia manuia.
