Savaii operators determined to get vaccinated

The long journey from the far eastern end of the Big Island to Upolu was not a deterrent for three employees of Falealupo and Seeti Beach Fales who travelled in the early hours of the morning to receive their Covid-19 vaccine. Their willingness and the fact that they returned to Savaii that same day are to be commended.

This was the sentiment echoed by the Samoa Tourism Authority CEO, Faamatuainu Lenata’i Suifua, as the tourism industry continues to support the ‘Do It For Samoa’ vaccination campaign which started in April.

‘We acknowledge our stakeholders from Savaii who made the lengthy journey and encourage others to get vaccinated quickly’ said Faamatuainu who added that ‘we are delighted that people on Savaii can now be vaccinated at Tuasivi Hospital’. 

In support of the vaccine roll-out, STA seized the opportunity to assist the industry and has provided many operators with transportation to and from the Covid-19 vaccination centres.   

‘Our combined efforts and willingness is testament of the tourism sector’s support towards national efforts to keep Samoa Covid-free and also prepare our destination to be travel-ready and host international visitors when borders reopen’, added Faamatuainu.

With vaccination likely to be a requirement for international travel, Faamatuainu says ‘the support of the industry and Samoa is vital and needs to continue as this will have an impact on when our borders can reopen, which in turn will determine when we can begin to rebuild and recover.

In April, 24,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine arrived in Samoa. Another 28,000 landed on 17th May and according to the Ministry of Health, 26,889 people received the first dose of the vaccine as of 23rd May.