Hee said Iata was urging the Government to reconsider the fee increases and engage the industry in better dialogue.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe fee increases not only make it more expensive for tourists visiting Samoa, but also add to the travel cost burden of Samoan nationals, and the Samoan diaspora,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Government should be looking to aviation and the connectivity it provides as a strategic asset that supports tourism, trade and community ties.\u201d <\/p>\n
Hee said air travel was a social and economic catalyst, especially for island states such as Samoa. <\/p>\n
The Samoa Observer said new charges of $180 per passenger departing Samoa would take effect from March 1.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe departure tax for passengers 12 years and older will increase from $65 to $80, while passengers under 12 will not be affected,\u201d the Samoa Observer added.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn addition, a new aerodrome facility charge of $100 per passenger will apply to all travellers.\u201d<\/p>\n
Stats NZ said there were about 213,000 Samoans in New Zealand in the census three years ago.<\/p>\n
Samoa Bureau of Statistics last year said New Zealand provided 51.3% of all visitors to the country.<\/p>\n
In the month of August last year, 8833 people flew from New Zealand to Samoa. <\/p>\n
Of those, 5041 said they were there to have a holiday and 3241 listed visiting friends or relatives as the purpose of their trip.<\/p>\n
Air New Zealand carried 42.4% of all visitors to Samoa that month. <\/p>\n
Fiji Airways, Qantas, Samoa Airways, Talofa Airways and Virgin Australia were the next biggest carriers.<\/p>\n