Samoa is negotiating to launch direct flights to and from China in a bid to boost its country's tourism, according to news reports quoting Samoa's ambassador to China.
In an interview with Chinese state news agency Xinhua, Tapusalaia Terry To'omata said Samoa is hoping to have discussions with Chinese airlines.
At the moment Chinese tourists have to fly via Sydney, Auckland, or Fiji to Samoa.
To'omata says in 2012, 2,000 Chinese visitors went to Samoa and that number is expected to reach 3,000 this year, adding some Chinese investors are considering building hotels there.
The Samoa Observer reports this year marks the fifth anniversary for Samoa gaining Approved Destination Status from China.
