MS westerdam cruise ship Docks in Apia.
MS Westerdam Cruise Ship In Apia.
Photo: Eyespy Radio / Anetone Sagaga
After three long years of Samoa's borders being closed since November 2019, We have finally seen a huge step forward in the nation's tourism industry and it is putting smiles on locals faces. As one of Holland American Lines cruise ships arrives ashore on Tuesday morning, with a bustling manifold of tourists visiting the island from all nationalities of the world.
Locals from around the island awaited the arrival of the cruise ship and its passengers in the early hours of Tuesday morning. There were dancers and local musician groups ready to perform and showcase Samoa's cultural greetings when the cruise ship arrived. The tourists were greeted with a warm welcome from locals while watching from the balconies of their accommodations.
MS westerdam cruise ship Docks in Apia with a warm welcome.
Photo: Eyespy Radio / Anetone Sagaga
We met up with the Manager of Sales and Marketing at the Samoa Tourism Authority Seiuli Dwayne Bentley at the site and shared some excitement on their perspective towards this day.
"This is a milestone and an occasion that we are celebrating. I am very happy to welcome our new guests from the Holland American Line. I'd also like our collaboration with Samoa Ports Authority as well as Betham Brothers Enterprises for making this occasion a success" he says.
MS Westerdam Cruise Ship In Apia.
Photo: Eyespy Radio / Anetone Sagaga
At the scene were some of the local business people from the Savalalo Market and other small businesses, selling some of their products and locally made handicrafts for the tourists. They've expressed how grateful they were to see Samoa back in the tourism game.
"This is great , I'm very excited for this." says one of the business vendors.
"Now I'm seeing great opportunities here for my business. It's been a long wait for me and my family. I almost gave up on my business because I wasn't getting any buyers". she says.\
" I am very excited to be here and enjoy the beautiful island of Samoa" says one of the tourists travelling from Canada Michael Upston with his wife and a few friends they made along the way.
The Samoa Tourism Authority manager for Marketing and Sales Seiuli Dwayne mentioned that this won't be our last time seeing visitors on a cruise ship as we will be expecting one next week as well.
MS westerdam cruise ship Docks in Apia.
Photo: Eyespy Radio
He states that our nation should take advantage of this opportunity in terms of hospitality and our traditional Samoan ways of talimalo. By being kind and friendly to our new friends from all over the world.