By Martha Taumata Faavae
CVOID-19 health restrictions did not appear to hamper much the rate of inter-island ferry travel during the holiday season between Upolu and Savaii.
A Samoa Shipping company statement assured that travel volumes were high during the period in local terms and it was an unexpected surprise considering the restrictions.
The majority of travelers were families traveling to spend the holidays in Savaii with relatives while others took advantage of competitive hotel holidaying packages.
No regrettable incidents or injuries were recorded during the busy period and credit is largely to the working co-operation shown by the travelers.
Boats were allowed to run freely without having to keep to any schedule to cater for the high holiday demand.
The Shipping statement admitted that the numbers did not reach the travel levels when the borders were opened to returning Samoans to holiday at home.
The rate of travel in local terms however was very high.
The start of the school term is being anticipated as another busy travel period between the islands to challenge the Shipping Company.