Pre-Covid - cruise ships would often stop in American Samoa. Photo: 123rf
Cruise ships will be welcomed back to American Samoa from New Year's Day.
During a meeting of the Covid-19 task force earlier this month, it was revealed the Government was preparing a statement to officially announce the reopening.
The previous Lolo administration-imposed travel restrictions on the territory and it continued into the current Lemanu administration - which began lifting restrictions in the past weeks.
At the task force briefing, one of the agenda issues was whether American Samoa is prepared to welcome cruise ships.
Health director Motusa Tuileama Nua said January 1 was a good day for cruise ships to come in.
The American Samoa Visitors Bureau executive director said there are 18 cruise ships scheduled to visit next year.
Taimalelagi Minnie thanked the Health Department for its support to get an official announcement out that the territory's borders are re-opening on January 1, 2023 to cruise ships.
She said vendors are ready and "we are ready."
"American Samoa is the last jurisdiction in the region to open up for cruise ships and the industry needs an official announcement from the government that American Samoa is re-opening up to cruise ships," Minnie said.