13 Mar 2013

NZ aids Samoa’s tourism sector after Cyclone Evan

12:36 pm on 13 March 2013

The New Zealand foreign ministry has announced it is giving three million US dollars to help Samoa's tourism sector recover from the impact of Cyclone Evan which hit last December.

The foreign minister, Murray McCully, says both countries agree that a strong tourism sector is essential for employment opportunities, foreign exchange earnings and government revenue.

Mr McCully says early recovery for the tourism sector is especially important in reviving income and employment, and will ensure Samoa is prepared to host the United Nations Small Islands Developing States conference next year.

He says the funding will assist with the reconstruction of tourist accommodation and infrastructure, human resources development and training, technical assistance to strengthen disaster resilience, and future insurance coverage.