Your tourism industry update from Cook Islands Tourism.
Global Business Update 2024
Cook Islands Tourism recently hosted the second Global Business Update (GBU) for the year. Sessions were held in both Rarotonga and Aitutaki where a market performance report, strategic insights, and activity updates were shared. The key message from the CIT leadership team centred on 'quantity to quality' - taking advantage of our strengthened economic position and working together to build a more sustainable tourism model. Industry members were encouraged to 'help us, help you' by providing data, feedback and ideas.
Visitor Fact Sheet (Vol 2): From Recovery to Resilience
Published by Cook Islands Tourism Corporation (CIT), the latest Visitor Fact Sheet (Vol 2) highlights an exceptional year, with visitor numbers reaching 163,552 and contributing 70.6% to GDP. “The Cook Islands has had an outstanding year for tourism, which is a reflection on everyone who has warmly welcomed our visitors and helped boost our economy”, said CEO Karla Eggelton. She emphasized a focus not just on increasing visitor numbers but on promoting year-round visits and longer stays. "Now that recovery is achieved, we are moving towards a sustainable future that balances economic growth with the wellbeing of our community, culture, and environment, ensuring future generations benefit as well."
Whether it's called sustainable travel, responsible tourism, or destination stewardship, the goal is the same: tourism must give back to the Cook Islands and its people. Akaperepere ia to tatou parataito, kia vai e motukore uatu. This means prioritizing quality over quantity, attracting visitors who respect our environment and culture. Real steps are already underway, from refining our market positioning and educating visitors to partnering with the Global Sustainable Tourism Council. It’s a shared responsibility, and together we can ensure our little paradise thrives for generations to come.
The 2024 People’s Choice Awards winners were honored at a special ceremony in Cabinet Gardens, hosted by Prime Minister Hon Mark Brown, on World Tourism Day, Friday, 27 September. In congratulating the finalists, Hon Mark Brown remarked, “This is a wonderful way to celebrate those who play a crucial role in shaping our tourism industry. Our success isn't just because of our strategies, or tactics, but it's our people. People make our product what it is. More than that, it's the passion, what you love, and what you do that makes a real difference.”
Women are the heart of the Cook Islands, shaping tourism, family life, and community with inspiring dedication. From businesses in Rarotonga to the artistry of the outer islands, their contributions go beyond economics. Honouring women like Aunty Pai Chambers and Aunty Connie Pickering reminds us of the values they uphold—family, culture, and service. These women lead with passion, ensuring the Cook Islands remains a beautiful destination and a nurturing home.
The July 2023 - June 2024 Cook Islands Visitor Survey is an initiative conducted by the Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO). It is designed to gain insights into the visitor experience and the report includes key sections on visitor profiles and characteristics, information and decisions making, visitor expenditure and satisfaction. All amounts are reported in NZD.
Fostering Innovation: Small Business Training for Mauke with BTIB & RMD
Cook Islands Tourism collaborates with Business Trade Investment Board (BTIB) and the Revenue Management Division (RMD) of the Ministry of Finance & Economic Management to provide essential training for small businesses in Mauke. Focus areas include business planning, bookkeeping, and digital marketing. Additionally, discussions with the Mauke Island Government aim to enhance visitor experiences while preserving the island’s natural resources.
Cook Islands Tourism Strengthens Leadership in Disaster Risk Management
Cook Islands Tourism’s Visitor Experience Manager, Carlene Mapu, recently returned from Suva, Fiji, along with Stephano Rampling-Tou and Ella Napara from EMCI, and Paul Maoate from ICI, after completing the final in-person workshop of a 7-month Leadership in Disaster Risk Management programme. The workshop centered on the Pacific Incident Management System (PacIMS) and Disaster Preparedness Management, offering participants an in-depth understanding of incident management systems, roles, and responsibilities tailored to the Pacific region.
Join Cook Islands Tourism at the 2025 North America Consumer Shows
Cook Islands Tourism has confirmed participation in the North America Consumer Shows 2025 in the United States. Join us and sign up to the popular accommodation and activities guides.
Sign up for 2025 guides Accommodation: Click here Activities Guide: Click here
Submissions close: Friday, October 11, 2024.
Public Sector Orientation
Cook Islands Tourism staff Esther Tetava (Digital Marketing Coordinator) and Kylie Goulding (Visitor Experience Coordinator) recently attended the Public Sector Orientation. The orientation involves learning about legislation, regulations, standard operating procedures and processes, policy, entitlements, and expected standards of behaviour. The Office of the Public Service Commissioner holds a number of Public Sector Orientation sessions throughout the year. If you wish to attend please email OPSCHR@cookislands.gov.ck
Robotics Team Make History
The Cook Islands all-girls team the "Cocobots" have made history by winning a gold medal at the 2024 FIRST Global Challenge in Athens, Greece. Working in the "Red Alliance" with the Republic of China, Republic of Moldova and Madagascar, our Cook Islands Team earned themselves a gold medal with an all time record high score of 176 points. The team is actively seeking support to further foster STEM growth in the Pacific.
Raro Burger House is now open in Arorangi, situated next to Aroa Nui Hall. Offering tasty fish, chicken and beef burgers as well as several different stir fry options. For any further questions you can contact Raro Burger House on 72317.
M & R Matavera Roast Shop
Where good food and family come together, M&R Matavera Roast Shop is now open for dinner, Monday to Friday from 5PM to 9PM.
Bringing the heart of home cooked roasts to Rarotonga, M&R is located on the Main Road in Matavera.
For any questions or inquiries contact M&R on 79536 or mr.roastshop.raro@gmail.com.
Digital Tip
Keep It Short & Sweet!
In the fast-paced world of social media, attention spans are short, so your posts need to be even shorter! Focus on delivering your message quickly and clearly. Whether it’s an Instagram caption, tweet, or Facebook post, brevity is key to grabbing your audience’s attention.
Here’s how to master short & sweet content:
Hook them fast: Start with an eye-catching statement or question that gets people interested right away. You only have a few seconds to grab attention!
Get to the point: Cut the fluff! Share your message in as few words as possible. Think about what you need to say, not what you could say.
Use simple language: Avoid jargon or overly complex language. Speak in a way your audience will easily understand and relate to.
Add a clear call-to-action (CTA): Wrap it up by telling your audience what to do next. Whether it’s “learn more,” “shop now,” or “comment below,” a direct CTA encourages engagement.
Pro Tip: If you have more to say, use a carousel post or video. For captions, keep them short and punchy—people can always scroll through for more details!
-2.png?upscale=true&width=1120&upscale=true&name=Untitled%20design%20(5)-2.png)
-Oct-02-2024-01-03-37-2960-AM.png?upscale=true&width=1120&upscale=true&name=Untitled%20design%20(2)-Oct-02-2024-01-03-37-2960-AM.png)
-1.png?upscale=true&width=518&upscale=true&name=Untitled%20design%20(3)-1.png)
.png?upscale=true&width=520&upscale=true&name=Place%20Holder%20for%20CC%20Updates%20(1).png)
-1.png?upscale=true&width=1120&upscale=true&name=Dog%20desex%20Schedule%20(1)-1.png)
-2.jpeg?upscale=true&width=1120&upscale=true&name=image1%20(1)-2.jpeg)
%20copy.jpeg?upscale=true&width=520&upscale=true&name=image0%20(1)%20copy.jpeg)
.png?upscale=true&width=1120&upscale=true&name=WIN%20A%20HOLIDAY%20Te%20Uki%20Ou%20Banner%20(3).png)
.jpg?upscale=true&width=1120&upscale=true&name=unnamed%20(3).jpg)
