Rasmussen said the corporation is set receive the funds on top of its annual budget for increased marketing in Australia and North America.
The minister said he was informed by Cook Islands Tourism chief executive John Dean that the Ministry of Finance is setting aside the extra funding for tourism in the 2009/2010 budget.
Last month the minister indicated his wish for some of the $1.68 million allocated for a small business stimulus package to be spent instead on tourism, and in particular to promote Aitutaki.
Rasmussen said some progress has been made on increased tourism funding for the outer islands.
He said around $281,000 in extra funding has already been earmarked to go towards tourism initiatives for the outer islands.
The minister has stated previously that he would like to see another $562,00 set aside in the next annual budget to be spent on promoting.
