Tourism Development Act 2012.

This Act makes provision for tourism development in Samoa and continues the Samoa Tourism Authority. The Authority shall be responsible for the administration, promotion and regulation of tourism industry in Samoa under this Act, and other relevant laws. The objectives of this Act include: (a) preserving the integrity of the tourism sector and promoting its sustainable development in Samoa through effective planning and promotion, and the proper regulation of tourism businesses; (b) implementing systems of licensing of hotels and other tourism businesses which permit the effective enforcement of industry standards and legal requirements applying for the benefit of tourism. One of the guiding principles in tourism development shall be to minimise environmental impacts and to apply regulatory processes to ensure the protection and conservation of Samoa’s biodiversity, water resources and terrestrial and marine environments.
The Board of the Authority may provide for registration of tourism businesses and may approve standards and systems of ratings and accreditations. The Authority shall prepare a tourism development plan for Samoa every five years.