10 Mar 2006

Talks on increasing tourist beds in Niue next week

10:11 am on 10 March 2006

New Zealand officials will next week raise with the Niue Government how the number of tourist beds on the island can be increased.

Much of the accommodation on Niue was wrecked by Cyclone Heta two years ago, but some has since been restored.

Four months ago Air New Zealand began running a direct weekly 737 service from Auckland, significantly raising the tourism potential of the island.

The airline says loadings have exceeded their expectations so far, while New Zealand's aid agency, NZAID, is providing funding for promotion and infrastructure.

NZAID's Craig Hawke the focus in terms of accommodation has been on helping the smaller scale operators.

"NIUE TOUR tp"

NZAID's Craig Hawke