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Source: ONE News -
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The message is Samoa is open for business.
Post-tsunami, the Pacific paradise has a damaged southern
coastline, battered bank account and a fragile collective spirit
but the people are powering on and they want tourists back on their
sunny shores.
The problem is many wannabe tourists could be deterred by the
thought of holidaying in a place struck by tragedy.
The country's tourism minister, Misa Telefoni, really hopes that's
not the case.
He says come on over, and stresses you don't have to be a
"volunteerist", or volunteer tourist, to make a difference.
"I'd love to think people want to help and they can do that just by
coming here, relaxing on our many unspoilt beaches and enjoying the
amazing Samoan hospitality," Telefoni says.
Such a break, he says, will help prevent the so-called second
tsunami - the devastation of the Samoan economy.
For those tempted, here is the ultimate guide on how to
have a guilt-free Samoan holiday:
Visit Savai'i
This large and mountainous isle is just an hour away by ferry from
the mainland, Upolu, but was barely touched by the September 29
waves. It has the same white sand charms of Upolu but is far
quieter and less developed. Highlights include the powerful
Alofaaga blowholes, swimming with turtles and relaxing on pretty
Manase Beach.
There's plenty of accommodation from great value basic beachfront
"fales" to luxury villas with all the mod-cons.
Stay in Apia
The country's budding capital, home to 35,000 people, is still as
lively and thriving as ever. The main street is a hub-bub of
stalls, markets, local music and even a couple of Sydney-style
cafes.
Accommodation options are a-plenty but at the top end you can't go
wrong with the classic Aggie Grey's Hotel, frequented by the rich
and famous since 1933.
Cruise Upolu's beautiful northern coast
The top side of tsunami-hit Upolu is as beautiful as ever, and
you'll see it moments after stepping off the plane. Novelist James
Michener once called the 20-minute drive from the airport into Apia
the "most beautiful drive in the South Pacific".
Keep driving through the capital along to the east. The road hugs the shore almost continually and there are many tempting spots to swim, pick coconuts or buy locally-made handicrafts.
Stay at Sa'Moana Resort
While most of Upolu's southern coast was devastated by the
September 29 waves, there was one established resort that escaped
damaged. Aussie-run Sa'Moana is small, laid-back and perfectly
positioned to take in the sunset from the cocktail deck. Originally
pitched as a surf resort, it has become a popular spot for
honeymoons, weddings and romantic escapes.
Go natural
Most of the Upolu's natural highlights were undamaged by the waves.
Some of the best include the powerful Sopoaga Waterfall, on the
south-eastern coast, Papase'ea Sliding Rock, a natural rock
waterchute just 5km from Apia, and Piula Cave Pool, a stunning
oval-shaped natural pool next to the ocean on the east coast.
There are also several great surfing spots, including Solosolo and
Salamumu, and Lake Lanoto'o, a crater lake about 20km from Apia
that is teeming with goldfish. It's difficult to reach but well
worth the effort.
Don't miss Stevenson's
The inland home of the country's most famous literary import,
Robert Louis Stevenson, of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde and Treasure
Island fame, is a cultural highlight.
The Scotsman's beautiful colonial mansion has been transformed into a museum. Take a fascinating walk through its many rooms, not missing the library where he penned 14 tomes in just four years more than a century ago.
Even those not interested in literature will enjoy the 30-minute walk up to his grave for amazing views of Apia.
