At least 70 per cent of it, said Minister of Tourism Misa Telefoni.
Telefoni said the budget for tourism has risen substantially to $10,221,359 — an increase of about $2.7 million.
Nearly $3 million is to be spent on the Australia market.
This “recognizes Polynesian-Blue’s commitment to three non-stop flights a week Sydney-Apia-Sydney and one flight a week Apia-Brisbane-Apia,” said Telefoni
“It also recognizes major campaigns by Fiji, Vanuatu and Tahiti in particular in the Australian market.
“There are still substantial marketing funds available for New Zealand, Germany, Japan and especially also the U.S.”
Telefoni did not specify an amount. But in his budget speech Minister of Finance Niko Lee Hang said: “To ensure the ongoing development of the tourism sector, the government has set aside $7.5 million.”
The bulk of this budget will go into implementing smart marketing strategies that are cost effective, and potential destinations to be targeted come the new financial year include North America, Europe and Germany.
In promoting Samoa overseas Misa said Manu Samoa sevens’ winning of the IRB circuit this year is invaluable.
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