New Zealand funds to help build Samoa's tourism sector

The New Zealand government is to give Samoa 1 million NZ dollars (845,023 U.S. dollars) to help the Pacific island nation's tourism sector which contributes almost a quarter of its gross domestic product, New Zealand Prime Minister John Key said Tuesday.

The funding would help the Samoa Tourism Authority to upgrade important visitor attractions, and improve information and access to visitor attractions, said Key who is leading a New Zealand political delegation to Samoa.

"The higher quality and more accessible visitor attractions will improve the tourist experience and should help increase income for local businesses and communities," Key said in a statement from his office.

New Zealand was also providing funding to Samoa to help the tourism sector rebuild following 2012's Cyclone Evan, increase market demand and develop a five-year plan for tourism development as a basis for continued long-term support.

"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," said Key.