10 Oct 2005

Promoting tourism now a key aim of the Niue Government after new airlink established

8:04 pm on 10 October 2005

The Premier of Niue, Young Vivian, says the island,, whichh is about to begin building its tourism industry, has a lot to offer visitors.

Air New Zealand is to start a weekly 737 service to the island from next month, replacing a deal with the Samoan carrier, Polynesian Air.

The new flights could more than triple the weekly number of visitors to the island..

Air New Zealand's group general manager, Norm Thompson, says, while there are only around 100 beds currently available, the airline has committed funds to grow tourism.

And Mr Vivian says his government will be making an effort to showcase Niue's attractions.

"We have the forests,, we have the caves, we have diving,, we have fishing, we have all sorts of things for people to come here and experience. We have nice clean little villages and we are generally very hospitable kind of people."