People's Choice Awards, Travel Guides, and more...
View in browser
CIT Coconut Connection Header 2024

Welcome to the new look of
COCONUT CONNECTION


Your tourism industry update from Cook Islands Tourism. 

PCA BANNER - NEWEST UPDATE

100+ Nominations Received within first 24 hours of launch!


The 2024 Cook Islands People's Choice Awards (PCA) was launched on the 10th July and has already received an overwhelming response, with over 100 nominations submitted within the first 24 hours! Nominations are coming in from both residents and visitors, including those from New Zealand, Australia, the United States, Germany, Canada, Chile, and Switzerland. We encourage you to share the PCA news on your social media platforms and invite your guests and customers to submit nominations.

READ MORE...
2. CC Template Lead Story Image

Cook Islands received highest ratings on Australia's 'Travel Guides' Channel 9 Show


The Cook Islands featured on Australia's Channel 9 show 'Travel Guides' and received perfect scores from all 'Travel Guides', marking a first in the show's history. This episode significantly boosted traffic to the Cook Islands tourism website, with a 3100% increase in visitors, and drew over 2 million viewers on its initial broadcast...

READ MORE...

Tourism Updates

Untitled (210 x 300 px) (3)

Interns bring fresh energy to Cook Islands Tourism Office

 

Fresh from the Go! Careers Expo 2024, Cook Islands Tourism Leadership Programme (CITLP) recipients Kubethreana Taripo and Rakiki Brown joined #TeamTourism for a two-week placement at the Cook Islands Tourism Corporation (CIT) head office. During their time with #TeamTourism...

READ MORE...
Untitled (210 x 300 px) (1)

Aitutaki Liftoff Ready for 2024!


The 5th annual Aitutaki Liftoff is scheduled for November 7th - 10th, set to attract over 80 international attendees - encouraging visitor dispersal to the Pa Enua. Cook Islands Tourism is proud to support the event, as it promotes community health and wellness and nurtures local talent.  Eric Botsford, based in  the United States, returns as EmCee and event co-host... 

READ MORE...
CC Update Image Template 210 x 300 px (1)

Round 22 of Te Vaka o Ru completed

 

The 22nd round of Te Vaka O Ru was held last week in Aitutaki, which saw 5 local NGOs and 2 of the island's villages rewarded for positive works. In the category of Akono I Te Ao Rangi, the Arenikau task force and Amuri Sports Club were rewarded for consistent maintenance of beaches and lookouts, while local operator Dive Aitutaki was commended for regular removal of...

READ MORE...
CC Update Image Template 210 x 300 px (3)

Cook Islands features in Spains leading Travel Magazine


The Cook Islands featured in a major editorial article in Spain’s leading travel magazine “VIAJAR”. The 11 page article written by one of Spains leading travel journalists, Elena Ortega , who visited the Cook Islands in August of last year. The article carries an estimated advertising value of NZ$250,000 combined print and online readership of 1.75million...

READ MORE...
2-1

Third times a charm!

 

Cook Islands Tourism (CIT) welcomed its third cohort of Future Leaders Academy students on July 10, 2024, focusing on leadership development and innovative problem-solving. Hosted by Emma Kainuku, Jean Nootai, and Aaron Lassey, the session highlighted CIT's values and current projects. Aaron provided insights into AI's impact on digital marketing with practical...

READ MORE...
CC Update Image Template 210 x 300 px (2)

Paradise Found according to Elin

 

 â€śMy trip to the Cook Islands was an unforgettable experience. It was my first visit, and I have never experienced anything like it before. The people were incredibly friendly and cheerful. Everywhere I went, I could hear laughter, and I was surrounded by colourful clothing and women wearing flower garlands. The highlight was visiting Aitutaki Lagoon - I am convinced it is paradise on earth. The colours, the water, the tranquility, and the overall feeling were simply breathtaking. I felt so welcomed and wished I could have stayed just a little longer.”  - Elin Landgren, Tour Pacific

Untitled (210 x 300 px) (2)

Develop Standards for Single-Use Plastics in Pacific Tourism


Join the Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) for stakeholder consultations on phasing out single-use plastics in the Pacific Tourism Sector, focusing on developing Standards and Certification Programmes and exploring alternative products. These one-hour Zoom sessions are scheduled from the 9th to 23rd July 2024, targeting tourism businesses, national organizations, and partners. To participate or for further details, contact the Division of Sustainable Tourism at sustainable@spto.org

Airfare Sales

unnamed (5)

Sydney to Rarotonga On Sale

 

Cook Islands On Sale Sydney - Rarotonga Direct with Jetstar, from $279. We would love your help spreading the word to Australia! Click below for the text and image to use in creating a new post for your Facebook page.

READ MORE...

Industry Updates

Untitled (210 x 300 px)

Traditional Techniques bring Industry and Community together


Etu Moana, who are devoted to sustainable solutions, is one of a handful of properties in Aitutaki that utilises natural kikau (coconut fronds) on their property. As a traditional roofing technique, the practice can be more labour intensive and expensive than modern roofing, but Etu Moana owners Tiffany and Jeff are adamant that the long-term benefits outweigh the costs...

READ MORE...
CC Update Image Template 210 x 300 px (4)

Loading bay to art at Pacific Resort

 

Pacific Resort Rarotonga's often-overlooked loading bay has undergone a vibrant makeover, thanks to the talent of local artist Kaia Dearlove. This rejuvenation project, envisioned by Regional Manager Ani Thompson, brings the back-of-house area to life with stunning colours and culturally rich designs. Kaia, known for her deep familial ties to the Pacific Resort Hotel Group...

READ MORE...

Digital Tip

CC Update Image Template 210 x 300 px

2024 Social Media Marketing Industry Report

 

Curious about the latest trends in social media marketing? Get exclusive insights into how professional marketers are shaping their strategies for the year ahead. The 16th annual Social Media Marketing Industry Report reveals the most used platforms, future plans for video marketing, and how AI is influencing the field.

READ MORE...

WIN A HOLIDAY Te Uki Ou Banner (3)

Events & Activities

View all Events
List your Event

National Events

26 July - 4 August: 59th Te Maeva Nui Constitution Celebrations, Rarotonga

5 - 19 October: Cook Islands Games, Rarotonga

 

Sporting Events

16 - 22 September: Netball World Youth Cup Regional Qualifiers

19 - 25 September: Round Rarotonga Road Race 

24 - 31 October: Cook Islands Squash Open

4 - 8 November: Rarotonga Legends Vets Golf Week

7 - 10 November: The Aitutaki Liftoff
7 - 9 November: Raro Rugby 7's, National Stadium

22 - 29 November: Vaka Eiva

30 November - 6 December: BSP Netball in Paradise

 

Concerts and Music Events

12 - 13 July: Raro Fire and Food Festival, Rarotonga Sailing Club

13 July: Shiny Disco Box by Coco House Bros, Hula Bar

25 July: Pacific Elvis comes to Rarotonga

24 August: Sunset Sessions by Coco House Bros, Vaiana's 21.3 

7 September: Shiny Disco Box by Coco House Bros, Hula Bar

27 September: Rehab Ministry by Coco House Bros, Rehab Nightclub

5 October: Peeled + Pulped Beach Party, Aroa Beachside Inn & Shipwreck Bar

12 October: Shiny Disco Box by Coco House Bros, Hula Bar

 

Conferences & Expos 

29 - 31 July: 26th Oceania Customs Organisation Annual Conference

2 - 6 September: Pacific Water and Wastewater Conference & Expo

15 - 21 September: Underwater Minerals Conference (UMC)

 

Travel Trade Shows (Attended by Cook Islands Tourism)

5 - 14 August 2024: Treasures of the South Pacific, Australia

9 - 13 December 2024: USTOA Annual Conference & Marketplace, Florida 

9 - 10 May 2025: South Pacific Tourism Exchange 2025, Nadi, Fiji

 

Consumer Travel Shows (Attended by Cook Islands Tourism)

24 - 25 January 2025: Utah Travel Expo, Salt Lake City

15 - 16 February 2025: Travel & Adventure Show, Phoenix

22 - 23 February 2025: Travel & Adventure Show, Los Angeles

8 - 9 March 2025: Travel & Adventure Show, Denver

15 - 16 March 2025: Travel & Adventure Show, Bay Area

22 - 23 March 2025: Travel & Adventure Show, Dallas

USP Banner

Industry Links

Flight Schedules

Air New Zealand
Jetstar
Air Rarotonga / Air Tahiti
Hawaiian Airlines
Air Rarotonga - Domestic
Raro Tours Transfer Schedule

Other Links

Create/Update Website Listing
List an Offer
Image/Video Gallery
Safety Resources
Facebook
Instagram
LinkedIn
TikTok
X
CIT H Logo LOLP URL 2024 FC

Cook Islands, P.O. Box 14, Rarotonga, Cook Islands

Unsubscribe Manage preferences