Your tourism industry update from Cook Islands Tourism.
The Cook Islands features in Australia's new show Island Dreaming
Island Dreaming, Australia Channel 10's new program, features a compelling episode about the Cook Islands, showcasing our beautiful landscapes and vibrant culture while their crew were in the Cook Islands, as part of the Cook Islands Tourism Familiarisation Program in July. Viewers are treated to a visual journey through pristine beaches, lush greenery, and the warm hospitality of our people.
As part of our commitment to improving disaster preparedness across the Cook Islands, we are kindly reminding you to please complete our short survey.
Your insights are essential. By sharing details about your accommodation's disaster preparedness procedures, you will play a key role in enhancing our emergency coordination efforts and improving guest safety. Your participation is greatly appreciated as we work together to keep everyone safe.
Aitutaki Cultural Tour Guide Booklet officially launched
September 5, 2024, the 'Aitutaki Cultural Tour Guide Workshop Booklet' was officially launched with an intimate event at Aitutaki's Tamanu Beach Resort, hosted by Cook Islands Tourism Aitutaki, with support from Head Office staff: Jeremy Goodwin, Regenerative Tourism Manager, and Kylie Goulding, Visitor Experience Coordinator.
The publication, was blessed and warmly received by Aitutaki community members who contributed to its creation. Aitutaki is the first of our islands to have such a distinguished publication produced through Cook Islands Tourism. Copies were also gifted to all four schools on the island.
From Atiu to Sanya: Insights for the Future of Tourism Marketing
At the 2024 Tropical Coastal City Tourism Event in Sanya, China, the Cook Islands was represented by Jason Matakino of Atiu Island and Daniel Fisher of Cook Islands Tourism. Supported by the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) and organized by the Sanya Tourism Board (STB), the event was held from September 4-6, 2024. It focused on global trends in tourism marketing and sustainability, offering insights on digital innovation, eco-tourism, cultural integration with a case study approach to community-based and sustainable tourism.
Launch of Aitutaki Lift Off 2024 – A Celebration of Fitness in Paradise
The highly anticipated Aitutaki Lift Off 2024 returns for it’s fourth year, bringing a blend of fitness, adventure, and community spirit to the stunning island of Aitutaki.
Set to take place from November 7th to 10th, 2024, this event, invites participants from across the Cook Islands and beyond to experience a unique fusion of Olympic weightlifting and Functional Fitness challenges.
The Cook Islands Tourism team demonstrated their commitment to environmental sustainability through their annual rubbish clean-up along a key strip in Avarua, in recognition of World Clean Up Day. A reminder of the importance of collective action in preserving the natural beauty of our islands.
Join us in keeping the Cook Islands clean and beautiful! Let's work together to protect our paradise.
Crystal Hefner returns to the Cook Islands
Crystal Hefner, renowned multimedia personality, returned to the Cook Islands with her partner, James Ward via Hawaiian Airlines. The couple shared their adventures exploring Aitutaki and Rarotonga with over 10 million followers, helping to raise awareness of the Cook Islands.
New Zealand Journalists explore Rarotonga and Aitutaki
Joanna Wane, a seasoned NZ Herald journalist, is diving deep into Rarotonga's culture, exploring beyond the resorts and sharing local experiences. Look out for her feature and accommodation review in the NZ Herald Travel magazine and website.
Plus, "Your Ex," New Zealand's leading LGBTQ+ publication, is featuring editor Oliver Hall’s exciting Rarotonga and Aitutaki adventures, perfect for friend groups and celebrations. Both journalists' stories will generate valuable exposure for the Cook Islands.
Cook Islands Robotics team headed to Greece
The first-ever all-girls Robotics team will be heading off to the 2024 FIRST Global Robotics Challenge in Athens, Greece, from September 26 to 29.Cook Islands Tourism, in support of youth development, is proud to once again support the initiatives of the Cook Islands Robotics team to Greece.
The team have worked hard since June to design and build their competition robot, supported by the club’s growing membership of 17 students from 5. The competition theme, "Feeding the Future," challenges participants to tackle sustainability issues by manoeuvring robots in a simulated world that emphasises the interconnectedness of water, food, and energy systems.
The team is actively seeking support for their journey. Donations can be made via their Givealittle page to help fund their trip and further foster STEM growth in the Pacific. For local donations or volunteering inquiries, contact: connect@cocobots.org
Industry Updates
Pacific Resort Hotel Group celebrates wins at World Travel Awards 2024
Pacific Resort Hotel Group has once again achieved significant success with top honours at the World Travel Awards for three of their Cook Islands properties:
Cook Islands’ Leading Boutique Hotel 2024: Little Polynesian
Cook Islands’ Leading Resort 2024: Pacific Resort Aitutaki
Cook Islands’ Leading Villa Resort 2024: Te Manava Luxury Villas & Spa
This recognition solidifies Pacific Resort Hotel Group's position as a leading luxury hospitality provider in the Cook Islands. Marcus Niszow, CEO, acknowledges the efforts of their staff and loyal guests who have been instrumental in achieving these milestones.
Cook Islands Tourism Industry Council welcomes new
2024 - 2025 Executives
The Cook Islands Tourism Industry Council (CITIC) has announced its new executive team for the 2024-2025 financial year. Tere Carr will lead the charge as president. She will be supported by Chris Doran and Andrew Whittaker as co-vice presidents, Bianca Whittaker as secretary, and Betsy Eisler as treasurer. Other executives include Chris Greig, Stephen Doherty (Pa Enua Rep), Maria Henry ( AItutaki Rep), Krissy Tatum, Liana Scott, Sabine Janeck, Tim Meyer, Ross McLauchlan, and Maeva Rongo.
On behalf of Cook Islands Tourism we congratulate the incoming executives and look forward to working together. A special mention to the outgoing executives, meitaki for your contributions!
Stay connected on The Vaka Cruise with free Wi-Fi now available
After launching their latest vessel ‘Teariki Moana’ late last year, The Vaka Cruise, in 2024, have further enhanced the experience of Cook Island waters by being the first water operator to offer free Wi-Fi onboard. This technological feat is a fantastic addition to their tour, allowing visitors to #loveourlittleparadise while in the Aitutaki lagoon, and share it via their digital platforms all in real time.
Latest Cook Islands collateral out now
The latest editions of Cook Islands collateral from Escape Magazine and Cook Islands Sun are now available!
Order your copies by contacting Alistar Blount for Cook Islands Sun: cookislandssun@gmail.com and
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