The Samoa Tourism Exchange 2026 officially opened with a call for stronger partnerships, sustainable growth and greater support for people working across Samoa’s tourism sector.
Minister of Tourism Hon. Fata Ryan Schuster delivered the official message at the opening ceremony, welcoming international buyers, partners and industry participants to Samoa.
Speaking on behalf of Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Polataivao Leuatea Fosi Schmidt, the Government and people of Samoa, the Minister welcomed overseas guests and said their presence showed confidence in Samoa as a destination.
This year’s Samoa Tourism Exchange is being held under the theme,
“Connect, Grow, and Empower the Tourism Industry for a Resilient Future.”
The Minister said the theme reflects Samoa’s tourism journey and the direction the country wants to take. He said tourism remains a cornerstone of Samoa’s economy, providing livelihoods, supporting communities and allowing cultural exchange.
He said the strength of Samoa’s tourism sector depends on its ability to connect with partners across borders and build relationships that create real opportunities for local operators.
The Samoa Tourism Exchange brings together local tourism operators and international partners in a business-to-business setting. The event is intended to strengthen networks, support collaboration and open new opportunities for growth.
The Minister said Samoa’s tourism growth must be sustainable, with a focus not only on visitor numbers but also on the quality of visitor experiences, stronger engagement with key markets, innovation and infrastructure.
He said the exchange provides space for discussion on global tourism trends, aviation connectivity and digital transformation, which are important for keeping Samoa’s tourism industry competitive.
The Minister also said the heart of Samoa’s tourism industry is its people, including communities, entrepreneurs and the workforce.
He said empowering the industry means equipping people with the right skills and tools, supporting small and medium enterprises, and using digital platforms to connect Samoa’s tourism products with global markets.
He also said tourism development must preserve Samoa’s culture and remain inclusive and community-driven.
The Minister referred to the challenges of recent years, including global disruptions and climate change, and said resilience is now essential for the sector.
He said Samoa is committed to sustainable and responsible tourism, smart and climate-resilient infrastructure, stronger partnerships across the Pacific and beyond, and innovation through digital transformation.
The Minister acknowledged the Government of New Zealand for its support through the Samoa Tourism Resilient and Recovery Programme, as well as sponsors and airline partners involved in the event.
He said the future of tourism in Samoa is a shared responsibility between Government, the private sector, international partners and communities.
The Samoa Tourism Exchange 2026 brings Samoa’s tourism sector together with international partners at a time when the country is working to grow the industry while protecting the cultural and environmental foundations that support it.
This article is based on the official keynote address by Hon. Fata Ryan Schuster, Minister of Tourism, at the Samoa Tourism Exchange 2026 opening ceremony.
