On the 29th of September 2009, in the early hours of the morning, the southern coast of Upolu was hit by a Tsunami, Galu Afi, casting a dark cloud over our islands. Today, 11 years on, although our people have rebuilt and moved on, we remember all those whose lives were taken during this tragic event. I le aso 29 o Setema 2009, sa faate’ia ai Samoa I se faalavelave faa-le-natura, o se Galu Afi, sa tulai mai ile itu I saute o Upolu, ma ufitia ai Samoa ile ao pogisa. I le atoa ai ole 11 tausaga i le asō, e manatua pea I latou sa maumau soifua ona o lenei faalavelave faa-le-natura matautia. #gonebutneverforgotten #restinlove #samoatsunami #galuafi #beautifulsamoa

Check out the immaculately kept grounds of the village of Saoluafata. This Mormon village is the gateway to Sauniatu waterfall, one of the jewels in Upolu’s crown. #samoa #pacificislands #beautifulsamoa

On World Tourism Day, we celebrate the people who work so hard to invite visitors to the beautiful islands of Samoa - and who make sure they have a great experience when they get here. From top left we have: Tupai Saleimoa Vaai - President of the Samoa Hotel Association; Agnes Chan- Head of the Hospitality School at the National University of Samoa; Fereti Tagaloa- bus driver; Seiuli Alvin Tuala- CEO of Samoa Airways, Tuilaepa Dr. Sailele Malielegaoi - Prime Minister of Samoa, Nive Gidlow - office manager for Savai’i Tourism Association, Nina Siolo - market stall holder, Mrs Marina Grey from Aggie Grey’s Hotel and Samoa Scenic Tours and lastly, Saua Aumagamanaia- taxi driver. They are also some of the faces that have continued to smile through one of the toughest periods of time the industry has ever seen. Thank you to everyone in tourism in Samoa, for those trademark smiles and your perseverance through tough times. We celebrate you today, and every day. #WTD #beautifulsamoa

It’s really hard to work out if this is real life or a painting. Yes, the beaches of Samoa are actually this beautiful... #beautifulsamoa #pacificislands #wishyouwerehere #tropicalvibes @travellerau

Now here’s a fun way to see the real Samoa. Jump on a quad bike with ATV Quad Tours on Upolu and take a ride through bushlands and past working family plantations. A great way to pump some adrenaline and get a peek into local life at the same time. #samoa #quadbike #adventureholiday #pacificislands @wolfpac_atv_tours_samoa

Life in subsistence says @davetony . cred: @davetony #takemetosavaii #beautifulsamoa #beautifulistimeless #beautifulanticipation #savaii

The Japanese say ‘forest bathing’ is excellent stress therapy. By reconnecting with nature, our whole nervous systems calm and relax. Samoa has plenty of lush green bush and forest (like this one next to Lake Lanotoo) to give this concept a whirl. It’s hard not to feel zen just looking at this picture. #samoa #forestbathing #beautifulanticipation #pacificislands @coconut.motion

Children find tree climbing amusing. Smiles and wave because schools are on holiday. cred: @rrankin #beautifulanticipation #beautifulistimeless #beautifulsamoa #dreamnowtravellater