A much higher number of visitors arrived in the territory during the third quarter of 2009 compared to the first two quarters of the year, according to the Commerce Department report on International Arrivals and Cruise ships for the period of July to September.

The report, compiled by DOC’s Statistics Division in conjunction with the Immigration Office, shows that 19,343 arrived in the territory during the third quarter, which is higher than the first two quarters.

The overall gain in the third quarter was 975 compared to a loss of 1,611 in the second quarter and a gain of 2,427 in the first quarter. From January to September, there was a net gain of 1,791 travelers that still remained in American Samoa as of the end of the third quarter, the report says.

While 19,343 arrived in the territory 18,368 left resulting in the net gain of 975 persons, comprised mostly of American Samoans returning from visiting abroad and U.S. citizens arriving for business.

Net gains were also recorded for citizens of the Philippines (58), China (33) and Tonga (28).

Westerns Samoan travelers had a net loss of 38 as COS Samoa Packing began closing down its operation in anticipation of Sept. 30, the date when the company ceased operations.

About 89 percent of the net loss was comprised of American Samoans leaving; however, the reasons for their visit abroad were not known. The rest of the departures were Western Samoans, Tongans, and U.S. citizens returning home.

According to the report almost 2,517 (13%) traveled to the territory on entry permits (i.e. 7, 14, or 30 days) while 2,455 left, resulting in a net gain of 62 permit travelers still here in the territory as the end of the third quarter. The majority of entry permits were for 30 days or 69%.

PURPOSE OF TRAVEL

Over 11,000 (57%) of those arriving in the territory were local residents returning home, followed by those coming here for employment reasons at close to 1,900, according to the report.

Business travelers and tourists recorded at about 1,700 and 1,600 respectively. A little over 400 travelers transited through American Samoa and about 170 arrived as crew members.

Over 2,500 travelers were here visiting families, friends or relatives. The numbers in the “visit relatives/families” category  dropped significantly compared to the second quarter (March to June).

TOURIST MARKETS

According to DOC the United States continued to be American Samoa’s primary market supplying 56% of tourists followed by New Zealand with 32% and the rest from Australia (8%) and other countries (4%).

The report says there were no cruiseships visits during the 3rd quarter.