Samoa hopes to tap into Chinese tourist market

Samoa is hoping to launch direct flights to and from China in a bid to boost its country's tourism, Samoa's ambassador to China Tapusalaia Toomata said in an interview with Xinhua.

Toomata said the south Pacific nation is hoping to have discussions with Chinese airlines.

At the moment Chinese tourists have to fly via Sydney, Auckland, or Fiji to Samoa.

In 2012, 2,000 Chinese visitors went to Samoa and the number is expected to reach 3,000 this year, Toomata told Xinhua, adding that some Chinese investors are considering building hotels there.

"South Pacific areas have a rich culture and pure sea water. We look forward to providing unique experiences for Chinese travellers," said Xiao Dan, general manager of Beijing-based South Pacific Consulting Company.

2013 marks the fifth anniversary for Samoa gaining Approved Destination Status from China.