Becoming a High Chief of Samoa.

It is a great honor to be chosen to get a chiefly title (Matai Title) in Samoa and serve your community and family as a trusted leader.

It is an even greater honor to be chosen as a high chief of a village or a district with all it’s social and political responsibilities that follows with the title. Although more than one person can get the chiefly name, there will always be a primary leader for the group which usually is dedicated to the older and more experienced Matai or Chief.

In most cases the Matai has full control over the village and all matters, like a smaller form of government. Many times the villages makes their own social rules and laws that has to be followed and where the national government has no influence.

Today you do need a chiefly name to be able to get a seat in the parliament which makes the chiefly titles even more important.

In the video below you will be able to follow the bestowal of the new High Chiefs with the title “Fui” in the area of “Lefaga” on the south coast of Upolu island. Although it is a great honor, not everyone can afford to pay the high donation cost to the village that is connected to the ceremony and the chiefly name.

Samoan High Chief Bestowal

Mats Loefkvist

Hotels Samoa / Samoa Tours / Samoa Travel

Back to the basics

One of seven ocean going Polynesian canoes has found its home in Samoa. The Polynesian people are known for their long travels over the Pacific Ocean, navigating by watching the stars and the direction of the waves. They could find their way over the ocean relying on their skills and instincts only.

Today we try to relearn these long lost skills of navigation. The canoes are showing the young people the history of their ancestors and they also connect the islands in the pacific on a cultural level.

I was able to film the Samoan canoe when they returned to Apia harbor one afternoon. Please have a look at the video below.

Sorry if it is a little bit shaky.

Polynesian Canoe

Mats Loefkvist

Hotels Samoa / Samoa Tours / Samoa Travel

Photo by Rosalia Setefano

Again David conquer Goliath!

The Prime Minister of Samoa, Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi compares the achievements of the Manu Samoa team with story of David and Goliath.

It is truly surprising how a small country like Samoa could become Champions of the IRB Sevens World Series for 2010/2011.

Special Holiday.

Monday the 7th of June was a special holiday dedicated to the Manu Samoa Team.

Many 1000s of people came to celebrate the heroes at the Molinuu peninsula in Apia. This is the special time the Prime Minister has to stand up to his promise of cash prices for the team and also a “ motion” to record the names of the players and their villages, in the annuals of the Legislative Assembly for all future generations.

Thankful Church Ministers.

Many of the Samoan church ministers have expressed their thanks to the Manu Samoa team for having faith in God. The team’s prayer for Victory has been heard. The boys have some busy days ahead picking up all the prices and gifts from both private people and companies plus attending meetings and parties.

I am sure they don’t mind…

Insider Secrets To Cheap Flights – Downsized Agent Reveals All.

Mats Loefkvist

Hotels Samoa / Samoa Tours / Samoa Travel

Goals worth nothing

First I like to wish you a very HAPPY NEW YEAR with the hope that you have spent some valuable time with your family and loved ones. As usual you are supposed to set goals for the new year, which most of the time only are nice wishes. Goals and wishes are worth nothing without action, so let’s have some action during 2010. I believe that this is the time to start new and be totally open for different ideas rather then going in the footpath of the comfortable past years. We need to start thinking outside the box.

The numbers below shows clearly that we are on the right way. The traps are many and only with careful planning, a common vision and quality we will be able to succeed.

Minister of tourism

What the Tourism Minister Plan

Samoa broke the ST300 million barrier in tourism earnings in the year to the end of June.  The first time we earned ST310 million, which is about 30% of our GDP—the largest single contributor after remittances.

Up until now, tourism has been booming in Samoa with Australian holiday makers tripling in number over the last six years. Over 15,000 Australians made a holiday in Samoa in 2008.

Internationally, Samoa received over 120,000 tourists during the same year of 2008.
Taking into account Samoa’s natural beauty, the friendly locals, and the growing accommodation industry, it is no surprise that the vast majority of travelers visit for leisure purposes.

The Tourism Ministry’s goal is to get 135,000 tourists, which is an increase on the last year of about 16 percent.

Tourism is a key industry for the Samoan economy. It’s the biggest revenue earner, worth $300 million a year. It also brings in the most foreign exchange, providing and creating employment opportunities for our people.

Project planner

New Projects?

In light of the tsunami disaster, questions are now being asked about whether the massive tourism development project that was planned for Sasina and other villages in Savaii will still go ahead.
What about the proposed Warwick hotel at Vavau? How will the tsunami affect the progress of that project?

According to an official report Samoa still have about 85% of the accommodation businesses in operation and the only thing stopping the earnings for the tourism sector is the hesitation of the visitors to come back. The report tells the following:
1.    We still have five out of seven deluxe hotels available – 326 rooms and 854 beds.
2.    We still have five out of seven superior resorts available – 135 rooms and 314 beds
3.    We still have 22 out of 24 standard hotels available – 315 rooms and 759 beds
4.    We still have 27 out of 29 budget hotels available – 406 rooms and 864 beds
5.    We still have nine out of 14 beach fales available (overnight stays) or 144 rooms and 348 beds.
6.    We still have eight out of 17 beach fales available (day stays) or 51 rooms.”

Fly Easy to Samoa

Air Pacific has just launched a new flight given Samoa a direct service to Honolulu which has proven very lucrative.
We’ve now got 14 flights a week from New Zealand, 3 flights a week nonstop from Sydney and one from Brisbane. Still Air New Zealand is flying the popular route Los Angeles –  New Zealand with a stop in Apia.

A Must for the Future

Tourism is growing greener and more and more travelers demand a green and responsible development for the future. People are not only prepared to pay more for an environmentally aware hotel, they are also not prepared to contribute to any irresponsible activity unfavorable to the nature what so ever.

Although the tsunami was a terrible disaster, it gives us the possibility to rethink and review the future plans of our tourism activities.

Looking Back on 2009

Full of sadness, there is no doubt the events of September, especially the tsunami which killed 143 people, tops the list.
September was an action-packed month. There was the controversial road switch, the $20million boat stuck on the reef in Apia and the Hotel Kitano fire.

Many people were and are still struggling to make ends meet.
The swine flu was scary. At least 138 Samoans were diagnosed with three people killed.

Happenings in April

Guinness World Record Travelers visit
Traveling Swiss couple, Emil and Liliana Schmid are Guinnes Book record holders, and they visited Samoa to extend their record to 163 countries visited.
But that is only part of an amazing story that started 24 and a half years ago for the couple and still continues.
What sets the couple apart and what has won them special recognition by the Guinness Book of record is where they always take their trusty Toyota land cruiser car where ever they go.
The Schmids and their 1982 FJ60 Toyota Land Cruiser have traveled 642 thousand kilometers – the most by any other couple. They have traveled around in Europe, North America, South America, Africa, Asia and now the Oceania.

Happenings in May

Swine flu
May was the swine flu month. All visitors to Samoa were tested at the airport as Samoa braced itself for the swine flu virus. There were men and women walking around Samoa with masks, an usual sight.
In the end, the disease killed three people. Over hundred Samoans were tested swine flu positive.

Happenings in June

Fagali’i airport returns
Four years after it was closed, Fagali’i Airport was back in business with international flights from Pago Pago served only by Polynesian Airlines. The airport was closed for safety reasons.

Happenings in September

Road switch
Samoa changed over to drive on the left side of the road after a long and criticized process.

Boat stranded worth $20m
The container ship, Forum Samoa II, stuck on the reef in Apia

Kitano fire

Apia landmark up in smoke
An electrical fault is one possible cause of the fire which destroyed iconic fale of the former Kitano Tusitala Hotel, now known as Tanoa Tusitala.
Bought by Tanoa Hotels Group July this year, the three fale were reduced to ashes within an hour by raging flames. All had just been renovated by the new owners.

Tsunami hits
Government officials and emergency agencies worked endless days and nights to deliver tents and water to stricken Aleipata, Siumu and Falealili residents hit hardest by the tsunami on September 29.

Happenings in December

Savaii – top of the list

Savaii is doing well and many hotels have a better occupancy than previous year despite of the many cancellations because of the tsunami.

Help us keeping the VISION of a great new Samoa…

Mats Loefkvist     www.samoa-experience.com

Thanks a Million to all you fantastic people out there that have been contributing to help the people of Samoa that were affected by the Tsunami on September 29. We have received packages after packages with cloths and cooking items plus money that was transferred directly to our account.

It has kept us really busy to deliver everything that was coming in. Yesterday we had a big shopping day to buy everything that we thought were most important to the affected families.

So far we received 3000 Tala that we decided to use for kerosene stoves, plates, pots and pans.

All this went to the village of Saanapu which was affected by the tsunami. The main focus of the tsunami help has been on the South East coast as it was the area that was affected most allthough many other places like Saanapu on the South West coast were badly damaged as well.

All the families send their sincere thanks to you people for making a difference in their lives.

With great help from outside, the government has put together a help plan for the ones that lost everything. These people will get a new small house built for their family. The total cost for each house will be about 7000 US Dollar.

I am looking forward to keep informing you about the progress of the rebuilding of the lives of the Samoan people.

Mats      www.samoa-experience.com

Dear friends,

We have been overwhelmed by all the private help provided by families and friends, former guests and supporters. Looking at all the help from all these fantastic people, you know that the would is not a bad place at all. Unfortunately the news and the media is mostly interested in negative news which affects all humanity in a very negative way. If we focus on good, good things will happen. Thanks a million to all of you that have helped or are still helping Samoa.

Below is a friend of mine that took an initiative in Canada. The Samoa Observer Newspaper got to know about it and wrote the following story…

Mats      www.samoa-experience.com

By Alana Lojek, South Shore Clipper

After learning about the devastating earthquake and subsequent tsunami that struck Samoa on September 29, a St. Margaret’s Bay man has taken aid relief into his own hands.

James (Jamie) Little, who runs a travel company in Hubley, has a personal connection to the tiny island-nation in the South Pacific Ocean. He visited the “extraordinary island” — which is approximately the same size and population as Cape Breton — two years ago and developed a strong liking for the “absolutely phenomenal place.”

When he heard about the effects of the 8.3 magnitude earthquake, which killed over 180 people and displaced thousands, he decided to spring into action. After talking to a Swedish friend of his who runs the Virgin Cove resort on Samoa, Mr. Little posted an ad on Kijiji seeking emergency supplies, like tarps, cookware, sandals, and first aid kits.

He received a number of calls from people wanting to donate items. He also shopped thrift stores in search of clothing and supplies, and bought tarps himself. Then, along with his two little boys, Mr. Little loaded up a large box with all the aid items he had collected.

The kids “had so much fun filling up the box,” he says, which he then mailed by air (for $450!) to Apia. He says he has been driven to do whatever he could for the residents who have “lost everything,” and also wanted “to send a good message to my kids.”

Mr. Little says he initially wanted to make a cash donation to the Canadian Red Cross, but decided against it when he learned the funds would go into the general program, and not specifically to the Samoan disaster. With the similarly-timed tragic disasters in the Philippines

and Indonesia, he was worried Samoa would be overlooked. Although neighboring American Samoa, which was also hard-hit, falls under the protection of the United States, Samoa itself does not.

In addition to corresponding with the UN Ambassador for Samoa in New York, Mr. Little contacted Federal MP Geoff Regan to inquire about Canadian government assistance. He learned, however, that the government is unable to provide support unless Samoa officially requests it, as it could be seen as a sign of disrespect.

At this point, he is waiting to see what will happen as far as relief is concerned, but says over the next month he might hold a bottle drive or a clothing drive for the people there. “Now it’s at the point where they have to rebuild, like rebuilding a house after a fire,” he observes.

The main message he would like to convey is for tourists, primarily from Australia, New Zealand, the United States and the UK, “to keep on going” to Samoa, a tiny place which has “personally affected” him in such a positive way.
Anyone interested in learning how they can help can email James Little at:  jral@eastlink.ca .

There is a universal law saying “Giving is Receiving”. Although this concept is known it is not always used. I am living in a country and among people that practice giving as a natural part of their life. It would be impossible for someone in Samoa not to share their food with you if you came close to their house during meal times. The fact that the word for your and mine is spelled the same way (lau) must have something to do with that we all share the same things.

There is also a total trust in that when you get old you will be supported by your kids. Your family is your life insurance and this vill not change in 1000 years in Samoa. Hope we can learn more from this in the western society.

We do understand that almost everyone like to go to the beach but you must give yourself the time to explore Apia.

This is the place where the police are wearing skirts and were you can find beautiful traditional items on the food- or flea market. Today Apia is a modern small city with the possibility to find almost anything. High speed internet is available in the internet cafe’s and also at some restaurants with wireless systems. Try to spend a few days and nights to explore the restaurants, cafes and night life in town or just stroll along the sea-wall in the afternoon watching all people exercising or talking to each other after another day in paradise.

Take a look at the following link with more details about the food & culture in Apia.

The famous author Robert Louis Stevenson’s former house which now is a very interesting museum is not far away and if you are into Golf, you have two 18 hole golf courses directly outside of the city. Why not go to the “Sliding Rocks” having fun by sliding on flat rocks into pools with cool river water. Apia has it all and it is waiting for you.

The Season from December – March has often been called the rainy season or wet season and many visitors have decided not to go to Samoa because of the weather. The truth is that we have fantastic weather during this time and most rain comes during the night. The wind is less strong which makes it slightly warmer if you go inland. Most of our visiting guests like to sit right on the beach were it is nice and cool always.

I have heard people say, lets go to Fiji or Cook island because there is no rainy season. The fact is, they have exactly the same climate and weather, there is only one difference – they newer call it “The Rainy Season”.

From Now on lets call it “The Opportunity Season” which it truly is. We have lower rates on all flights, hotels and car rentals, it is less crowded if you like to go golfing on one of our 3 Golf Courses, rent a car and go exploring the living culture on the island or just spend the time on one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

You should take a look at the low air fares from Polynesian Blue or Air New Zealand during this time. Check out our accommodation deals for all our hotels on our www.samoa-experience.com website.

See you soon in Samoa, the island of Opportunity….

Sunny Greetings

Mats

Travel to Samoa!

I like to start to introduce Samoa to you in a more official way with all the facts and details about our country and culture to make you have a greater understanding where we are coming from.

This cover all aspects like culture, politics, geography, economics, demographics and sports. I need to have a closer look myself as I am not sure I know all this although I live here.

Please go to the following page: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samoa   (link will open in a new window)