The Samoan Tourism Authority has published a list of hotels and resorts closed as a result of the earthquake and tsunami.

The main area of damage is along the south and south-eastern coast of Upolu Island.

The properties include: Coconuts Beach Club, Resort & Spa, Maninoa Surf Camp, Sinalei Reef Resort, Salani Surf Resort, Vavau Beach Bungalows, Seabreeze Resort at Paradise Cove, Faofao Beach Fales, Taufua Beach Fales, Litia Sini Beach Resort and Namu’a Beach Fales.

A few properties in neighbouring areas such as Virgin Cove and Le Vasa Resort on Upolu, and Aganoa Surf Retreat in Savaii are still operating, despite being damaged.

The rest of the Hotel/Beach Fales are fully functional and accommodating the visitors that have relocated from the affected areas, those arriving into the country needing alternative accommodation due to the cancellations with the damaged properties, as well as the pre-booked and ‘walk in’ tourists.

The Faleolo International Airport has remained open, allowing airlines to operate a normal schedule. 

Air New Zealand has announced increased capacity and Polynesian Blue has discounted airfares for travel to Samoa.

The Samoa Tourism Authority is working in close collaboration with the government, the hotel industry and the airlines to help those tourists that were affected by the tsunami, through provision of basic supplies, accommodation and speedy evacuation processes.

STA has also established a Help Link on the Samoa Tsunami Emergency Page of its website www.samoa.travel to assist overseas people trying to locate loved ones who were on island when the disaster occurred.

STA will provide another update next week.