Foreign Minister Hon Murray McCully Pledges Support to Niue Tourism

Auckland, New Zealand. July 22 2011 – Niue’s tourism potential has been recognised by New Zealand Foreign Minister Hon Murray McCully who has announced a $NZ 15 million dollar investment over a three year period into developing tourism in Niue.

McCully, who returned from a Pacific tour of Samoa, Tonga, the Cook Islands and Niue on Saturday, said New Zealand was committed to working closely with government, private sector and community partners in Niue to help realise the island’s tourism potential.

“Niue’s relative isolation and population size are challenges for economic development, but the country’s natural beauty and unique environment provide significant tourism opportunities.”

With attractions like whale watching, diving, caving and hiking, Niue’s tourism market differs from other Pacific destinations and offers a special experience for adventure seeking travelers.” McCully said.

Niue Tourism relished the opportunity to show McCully and other dignitaries developments on the island including; new facilities at key tourist areas, The Matavai Resort expansion progress and the opening of the impressive visitor information centre which will be fitted out in the coming weeks.

The developments also included Niue’s new cellphone service with the Minister being the service’s first user making a call Niue’s Premier Toke Talagi during his visit.

Niue Tourism Development Manager Hayden Porter says “There has been a significant and noticeable increase in visitor numbers since the Tourism Development Program has been underway so we really appreciate the Minister visiting us and acknowledging Niue’s tourism potential.”

The Niue Tourism Development Program actively began in June 2010 and since then a significant amount has been achieved including a dramatic increase in arrivals which has resulted in an estimated $1million incremental increase into the local economy from the June 2010 – July 2011 period.

Flight and accommodation providers are running at full capacity at present even after a 27% lift in capacity by air since December. The Minister’s pledge will help secure more accommodation and flight options to meet this increasing demand.

www.niueisland.com

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