Our client, the Samoa Tourism Authority, is thrilled to announce that celebrated chef and television personality Monica Galetti will be returning to her birthplace of Samoa from 26 January to 08 February, 2025. As an esteemed Ambassador for Samoa Tourism Authority, Galetti’s visit highlights her enduring connection to the islands and aims to boost Samoa’s global profile as a must-visit destination.
Galetti’s visit follows in the footsteps of His Majesty, King Charles III and Queen Camilla who visited Samoa, along with multiple heads of state of the Commonwealth for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in November 2024.
Born in Samoa and raised in New Zealand, Galetti’s deep-rooted passion for food, influenced by her Samoan heritage, has propelled her to a distinguished career on the global culinary stage.
After earning a Diploma in Hospitality from the Central Institute of Technology in New Zealand, she competed in renowned cooking competitions across New Zealand, Australia, and Europe, rapidly gaining recognition for her exceptional talent.
Galetti’s career took a pivotal turn in the late 1990s when she moved to London to join the iconic Le Gavroche restaurant. Starting as first commis, she quickly ascended to the role of sous chef, becoming the first woman to hold such a prominent position at this 2 Michelin starred restaurant.
In 2005, she and her husband David Galetti, former Head Sommelier at Le Gavroche, took their expertise to Mauritius to lead Le Gavroche des Tropiques. Returning to London in 2017, Monica launched her own restaurant, Mere, named after her late mother in collaboration with her husband, David Galetti. Mere closed its doors in 2024, but the couple is already planning an exciting new culinary venture for 2025.
Beyond the kitchen, Galetti has become a household name through her work as a television presenter and author. She is a long-standing judge on BBC Two’s MasterChef: The Professionals and has co-hosted the acclaimed series Amazing Hotels: Life Beyond the Lobby for six series since 2017. Additionally, her three cookbooks—Monica’s Kitchen, The Skills, and Monica at Home—have cemented her reputation as a culinary innovator.
Galetti’s visit to Samoa is set to be a transformative event for the island nation’s tourism industry. Toleafoa Pativaine Petaia-Tevita, CEO of the Samoa Tourism Authority,
expressed enthusiasm for her return: “We are excited to welcome Galetti, both as an ambassador for Samoa Tourism Authority and a daughter of Samoa. Her international acclaim and deep connection to her heritage make her the perfect advocate to showcase the beauty and culture of our islands. We are confident that her visit will inspire more visitors from the UK, Europe, and beyond to experience all that Samoa has to offer.”
Monica Galetti’s homecoming is more than a personal journey, it is an opportunity to spotlight Samoa on the world stage. The Samoa Tourism Authority warmly invites travellers to discover the enchanting landscapes, rich culture, and vibrant hospitality of Samoa, as celebrated through the eyes of one of its most renowned daughters.
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