The South Pacific nation has begun welcoming direct flights from American Samoa, Fiji, Australia and New Zealand.

A delegation featuring minister of tourism Toeolesulusulu Cedric Schuster and Samoa Tourism Authority Board officials greeted passengers on the first returning flights from Sydney and Brisbane on Monday (7 August).

Travellers were met in the arrival hall of Faleolo International by staff wearing traditional clothing and a number of cultural performances.

The celebrations followed the visit of New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern last week.

Pre-Covid, Samoa welcomed 181,000 international visitors in 2019 and, in preparation for reopening, the island said it had achieved a 93% vaccination rate for eligible citizens and bolstered testing capabilities.

Schuster said: “The past two years have been a trying time for the world over, but as Samoa reopens its borders, it is our acknowledgement that our internal protection measures are safe for our people and for the yearning travellers who are wanting to visit family and friends, and who are eager to explore our heritage and natural environment.

“We look forward to hosting all visitors, and showcasing our culture and environment, and pray that we continue to be mindful of the necessary travel health advisories for all of our protection.”

Samoa Tourism Authority chief executive, Pativaine Petaia-Tevita, added: “We are very excited to welcome back travellers on the first direct flights since our reopening. Samoa has been waiting for this moment for a long time and it was wonderful and uplifting to see passengers fill the terminal once again.”

“Our reopening is a special milestone which we celebrated in a special way along with the return of international visitors including family and friends.”