Survivor returning to Samoa 2011

You may have read recently that Survivor decided against going to Tonga because of lack of facilities.

They are now going back to Samoa. See this link.

http://www.realityblurred.com/realitytv/archives/survivor_23/2011_Apr_02_hotel_booked

As before they are taking over Aggie Grey's Beach Resort and, again as before, Aggie's Resort is chucking out people who have already booked. Not a good look for the Resort or for Samoan tourism.

There has been a big advertising campaign for Samoa in NZ in the last week or so, including heavily discounted airfares and specials to resorts, including Aggie's. Indeed there was an advert on TV last night just for Aggie's Resort.

Have spoken to a NZ travel agent today and they are not happy. It is causing inconvenience to them and their clients.

Fortunately, I don't get to watch survivor where I live, but isn't lack of facilities the whole idea? They did quite a bit of damage to the island they used in Tonga, so it isn't only the tourists they disrupt.

Tonga has never been on SURVIVOR. Only the tv crew and staff stay at Aggies. The "SURVIVORS" are on the beach and in the jungle trying to Survive and win the million bucks.

"They did quite a bit of damage to the island they used in Tonga..."

The damage was done by greedy Tongan hoteliers to Tonga's international reputation-battered as it is.

The locals on Aitutaki that I spoke with after Survivor had been filmed there had a lot of good things to say about the experience. They scattered the lodging out among a lot of establishments. The producers also gave a couple of boats and some expensive equipment to the Aitutaki search & rescue folks that were much appreciated.

One more time people...CBS/SURVIVOR has "never" been to Tonga. SURVIVOR turned down Tonga because not enough rooms for staff and crew.

"SURVIVOR turned down Tonga because not enough rooms for staff and crew."

That's not what happened Greedy/Stupid Tonga Tourism Operators Shoot Whole Country in Foot

What was the one that was filmed in the Vava'u Islands of Tonga, about 2002 I think? Are there multiple versions of Survivor?

The UK has a Survivor series. I was on Aitutaki in 04 or 05 and spoke with one of their crew. Much smaller operation than the US operation. I'd guess fewer than 50 people. The US Survivor has around 300 people in their operation. Don't know if UK Survivor has ever had a Tonga episode though.

I just checked Wikipedia... looks like over 20 countries have had their own versions of a Survivor TV show.

Hullo, agingaquarian. I was just pottering around this branch and saw your name. I haven't seen your posts for years and am pleased to see that you are still active and getting around.

Hi Groo

Good to hear from you. I rarely come on LP nowadays - I became a refugee after the changes a few years back and spend most time on TA now (under a different name).

We're both well. How about you? Did you have that hip or knee replacement?

AA,

Absolutely delighted to hear that you and especially your husband (who I seem to remember was having a rough time last time we spoke) are doing well and yes, I'm doing well - two grand daughters, now.

The mad South African Orthopaedic surgeon finally had his evil way with my knee and I am a great deal more mobile than I was a few years ago. I'm just back from a few weeks in Laos where two good knees came in very handy.