The American Samoa Visitors Bureau is expecting a significant increase in vessels scheduled to call into Pago Pago Harbour next year.
Its Executive Director, David Vaeafe says the bureau has seen a steady increase in cruise ships calling into port, with nine ships last year, 12 this year and 17 ship visits next year.
Mr Vaeafe says this is close to the Bureau's target of 20 ships per year as outlined in the Tourism Master Plan.
He says Cruise ships provide a valuable niche is terms of injecting new revenue into the economy with passengers buying souvenirs, dining out and taking tours.
He says when combined, the 17 ships can carry up to 28,574 passengers plus an additional 12,395 crew.
