The New Zealand Government has announced a $1 million investment into Samoa’s tourism sector.
The announcement was made during Prime Minister John Key’s visit to the country earlier this month.
Announcing the investment, Mr Key said, “This funding will help the Samoa Tourism Authority to upgrade a number of important visitor attractions, and improve information and access to visitor attractions more generally.
“The higher quality and more accessible visitor attractions will improve the tourist experience and should help increase income for local businesses and communities.”
New Zealand is also providing funding to Samoa to help the tourism sector rebuild following Cyclone Evan, increase market demand and develop a five year plan for tourism development as a basis for continued long-term support.
While visitor arrivals plateaued during 2012-13, arrival statistics are now showing a positive trend. “New Zealand and Samoa have a strong relationship, underpinned by the many New Zealanders of Samoan descent living in New Zealand, so it’s important that we support economic development in the region,’’ Mr Key said.
