Samoa is still open for business despite the country's measles epidemic, says Samoa Tourism's acting chief executive.
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The tourism authority had taken measures to help prevent the spread of the virus, including cancelling all activities that required people to congregate, said Pativaine Petaia-Tevita.
The Tatau Festival parade was cancelled this morning on the waterfront. However, the exhibition and concert would go ahead over the next few days.
Visitors should make sure their measles vaccinations were up-to-date before arriving, while those already in the country and unsure of their vaccination status could visit a local clinic, she said.
"No hotels are shutting down because of this epidemic. The best that we can do now is to keep giving out advice on what to prepare for, especially to our visitors to Samoa before they travel."
Tourism Authority representatives in New Zealand, Australia, the UK, China, Japan, South Korea and Los Angeles were ensuring all visitors were informed.
There was still plenty to do and see in Samoa but she recommended people come well-prepared.
"Business is still on. All the hotels are open. We're just giving out precautions and they're also taking precautionary measures to ensure the health and safety of Samoans as well as our visitors."
Meanwhile, the ruling Human Rights Protection Party has cancelled its 40th birthday celebration, which was scheduled for this Friday.
The Samoa Observer reports the party's secretary announced this by public notice, saying it was due to the measles crisis.
