The objectives and functions of the Samoa Tourism Authority are mandated in the Samoa Visitors Bureau Act 1984, with Amendments incorporated in 1998 and 2002 changing the entity’s name to the Samoa Tourism Authority. This was to shift the emphasis from visitors to the broader concept of tourism and to also emphasise the Policy, Planning and Research functions of the Authority, and to align the government agency to the Minister of Tourism and Board to whom it reports and the Economic Sector that it serves as the National Tourism Office.
The Objectives of the Samoa Tourism Authority as mandated in the Samoa Tourism Authority Legislation therefore are to:
- Encourage private sector investment in the tourist and visitor industry
- Encourage visits to Samoa by people from other countries, including travel and holidays within Samoa
- Encourage the development and improvement of accommodation and facilities for tourists
- Coordinate and improve the activities of all sectors providing these services
- Advise the Government and the private sector on all matters relating to tourism
- Prepare, implement and maintain comprehensive tourism development and marketing plans for Samoa