Thirty-three years ago, Samoa celebrated its first Teuila Festival said Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa during the opening service over the weekend.
She said three years ago, due to covid restrictions, led to the transition of the Festival to a virtual format; however with God’s Grace Samoa resumes the festival with a celebration.
Rev Vaitusi, the Principal of Malua Theological College, led the worship with the Malua Theological College Choir. Fiame noted the significance of Tourism as a critical revenue source for Samoa that cannot be overemphasized. She said in the 12 months since borders reopened in August last year until July this year, the sector’s recovery compared to pre-COVID time in terms of Visitor arrivals has been astounding at 77.15%.
This surpasses our forecasts, which were made with much uncertainty during COVID-19, where a safe recovery was predicted only to start after five years post covid.
Tourism earnings have also increased beyond Samoa’s expectations.
“The Teuila Festival whilst it is a celebration dedicated to honouring our Samoan culture, it is also utilized as another platform from a tourism perspective to exhibit to the world Samoa’s point of difference – what differentiates us from the rest of the world – a unique and hospitable culture, our humble way of life, and who we are as a nation founded on God. Tourism affects our lives to some extent, positively as well as negatively.
“And this is why Tourism is ALL of our responsibility. “For Samoa to continue to reap significant benefits from Tourism, I implore to our people to continue to keep our Samoa clean and beautiful, keeping our visiting friends and families safe, and just be the hospitable or “talimalo” people that we are.
“The exhibition of the Samoan Culture through the Teuila Festival that validates the branding “Beautiful Samoa” starts tonight with beautiful Choral Singing, which is a great part of Samoan life.
“The rest will be showcased during the week with traditional cultural entertainment, games, carving, tattooing, fabric printing, and food experiences, with the Miss Samoa Pageant as the finale of the Teuila festivities on Saturday night. May God be with us all during the week of the Teuila Festivities.”
The Prime Minister also wished the 10 Contestants vying for the crown of Miss Samoa all the best.
