Tourism Chief Acknowledges NZ Government Funding To Boost Samoa Tourism

The Chief Executive Officer of the Samoa Tourism Authority (STA), Papali’i Sonja Hunter has acknowledged the
announcement by the New Zealand Government of funding to boost the Pacific Island nation’s tourism industry.
The New Zealand Government is to contribute NZ$7.3 million towards boosting Samoan tourism.
The announcement was made by the New Zealand Prime Minister, Rt Hon. Leuluaialiiotumua Bill English in the beginning of this month, while he was in Samoa to mark the country’s 55th Independence celebrations.
Papali’i upon receiving this good news is very grateful for the assistance.
“We acknowledge with great gratitude and thank Leuluaialiiotumua Bill English and the New Zealand Government for the announcement of this great assistance for our country.” Said Papali’i.
“2017 has been earmarked by the United Nations as the year for Sustainable Tourism, and our efforts over the
years have been towards achieving the vision that by 2019, Samoa will have a growing tourism sector which engages
our visitors and people and is recognised as the leading Pacific destination for sustainable tourism.
Rt Hon. Bill English who was bestowed his Chiefly title of Leuluaialiiotumua from his wife’s family in the village of
Faleula, said that New Zealand and Samoa have deep and extensive ties and helping Samoa to develop its tourism
industry is a way to further strengthen relations between the two countries.
“Increasing tourism will increase economic growth and improve livelihoods in Samoa.” Said Mr English
“Increasing Samoa’s attractiveness as a tourist destination will create jobs and business opportunities, and connect
communities and visitors with Samoan heritage and culture.
“Samoa has an enormous amount to offer international visitors, and New Zealand wants to help the tourism sector
grow.”
The funding will be used to promote Samoa as a tourist destination, provide additional training to tourism workers,
and upgrade tourism sites and attractions on the main islands of Savai’i and Upolu.
This newly announced funding will supplement work to upgrade the Apia waterfront. New Zealand’s support will
also help redevelop the Savalalo Market, revamp the central Apia event space, and build a clock-tower boulevard.
Furthermore, a seaside lookout and pedestrian boardwalks will improve access and flow to the foreshore.
(Source: Samoa Tourism Authority Weekly Circular 16 June 2017)