Niue has been named in the top ten fastest growing tourism destinations for 2017 by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation.
Niue, Matavai resort Photo: RNZ Pacific
Niue came in at number seven with visitor numbers increasing by 25.4 percent for the year.
The head of Niue Tourism, Felicity Bollen, puts the increase down to a targeted marketing strategy.
But she said it does present challenges to Niue's infrastructure and environment, with roads and waste management needing more attention.
"We're very mindful of managing our growth carefully. And the main reason for that is the effect on our environment. Which is the reason people come to Niue," Felicity Bollen said.
"It's such a pristine, wonderful, environmentally conscious place to visit, and we don't want to ruin that. And we will if we have too many people coming and not the right kind of people and staying in accommodation that's not fit for purpose."
Felicity Bollen said many people in Niue have two or three jobs and the country may be near capacity to cope.
She said reports were underway on the need for a temporary labour scheme and the impact of extra flights to Niue.
The Northern Marianas came in tenth on the UN tourism agency's list of countries experiencing the fastest growing tourism.
Egypt topped the list.
