Finalists for the People's Choice Awards and more...
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COCONUT CONNECTION


Your tourism industry update from Cook Islands Tourism. 

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Finalists Announced for the 2024 Cook Islands People's Choice Awards!


The finalists for the 2024 Cook Islands People's Choice Awards have been announced, recognizing outstanding contributions to our tourism industry. Now, it's your chance to vote for the winners! Voting is open now until Monday 16 September, 12pm 2024, visit the Cook Islands Tourism Facebook page and cast your vote by reacting to the images of your favourite finalists in both the Business and Individual categories. Each reaction counts as a vote, so get involved and help celebrate those who make the Cook Islands truly unforgettable!

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Cook Islands Named one of the World's Top Travel Destinations

The Cook Islands has been recognized as one of the top travel destinations globally in Flight Centre’s latest customer survey. Ranking second worldwide with a 93% satisfaction rate, the Cook Islands stands out particularly among travelers from New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, Canada, and the UK. Conducted by Flight Centre, a leader in the global travel industry, the survey analyzed responses from over 170,000 holidaymakers across 23 countries. The Cook Islands, just behind Portugal, outranked renowned destinations like Japan and Australia, with a remarkable 95% satisfaction rate from New Zealand travellers.

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Tourism Updates

Treasures of the South Pacific 2024 

 

Trade Manager, Sarah-Elyss Ezekiela, recently returned from Treasures of the South Pacific, an annual event bringing together South Pacific tourism offices to network with Australian travel agents and participate in destination training. Accompanied by CIT Strategy Manager, Crystal Kranz, Ezekiela met with over 200 agents from Canberra, Sydney, and Melbourne. 

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CIT Participates in Crucial Disaster Preparedness Exercise

 

Cook Islands Tourism Corporation (CIT) recently participated in a vital three-day tabletop simulation, “A Safe, Resilient and Sustainable Cook Islands,” led by Emergency Management Cook Islands (EMCI) with support from New Zealand’s National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and The Pacific Community (SPC).

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Rarotonga Legends Vets 55+ Golf Week


Cook Islands Tourism has signed on to support the Rarotonga Legends Vets 55+ Golf Week, taking place from November 4th to 8th, 2024. The event, organised by the Edgewater Resort and Spa in partnership with the Rarotonga Golf Club, is aimed at attracting veteran golfers aged 55+, particularly from New Zealand and Australia, during the low season. The tournament will feature 45 holes of golf, offering participants a mix of competitive play and the chance to experience Rarotonga.

CIT represented at Te Unga Mai

 

Brad Kirner, Director of Destination Development, recently attended Regional Tourism New Zealand's Te Ūnga Mai, a key programme for advancing destination management initiatives. Attended by New Zealand regional tourism organisations and a few select guests from the Pacific, the event offered valuable insights into sustainable tourism, visitor management and strategic thinking.

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Pacific Islands Institute looking to relaunch Cook Islands Program with Road Scholar


Pacific Islands Institute, a Hawaii-based tour operator, has specialised in escorted, all-inclusive group tours throughout the Pacific for primarily non-profit educational organisations for over 35 years. 
Between 1992 and 2007, Pacific Islands Institute operated numerous programs (4-12 groups annually) to the Cook Islands and French Polynesia for Road Scholar.

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Jeffrey and Julia Discover Paradise: A Cook Islands Adventure

 

Influencer Jeffrey and his partner Julia experience the Cook Islands for the first time. A professional photographer and social media content creator based in Sydney, Jeffrey's work focuses around travel and coastal lifestyle. As more direct flights connect Australia to the Cook Islands, it's an opportunity to promote the Cook Islands as a top-destination for younger travellers.

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Pacific Resort Aitutaki’s Coral Planting Project Moves to Second Phase with Guest Participation

Pacific Resort Aitutaki is proud to announce the successful transition of its coral planting initiative, spearheaded by Joeli Vuadreu, to its second phase. This project, which began as a passion-driven endeavor, has seen remarkable growth and has actively involved resort guests in meaningful environmental stewardship.

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Muri Environment Care Group leads important environmental projects


Muri Environment Care Group advanced key environmental initiatives recently, including their flowering and fruiting calendar.

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OTA Survey

 

Cook Islands Tourism would like to say "meitaki maata" to all that submitted responses to the Online Travel Agent Survey. 

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Industry Updates

Kaotea

Kaotea Charters

 

Kaotea Charters is Aitutaki's newest operator, specialising in Deep Sea Fishing, while also offering Lagoon Tours, Whale Excursions, and Water Taxi Services. Kaotea strives to give their guests a luxe experience, providing everything needed from accommodation transfers, to refreshments as well as all snorkelling and fishing gear.

 

Contact Dylan & Haylee for your next private charter
kaoteacharters@outlook.com
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Castaway Beach Bar: A Fresh Look with the Same Unforgettable Vibe

 

The iconic beach bar formerly known as Wilson's Beach Bar has undergone an exciting transformation, now proudly operating as Castaway Beach Bar. Alongside its new name, Castaway Beach Bar unveils a refreshed brand, extended opening hours, and an updated menu while preserving the cherished elements that have made it a beloved joint. 

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Customer Survey Update

Te Aponga

 

Te Aponga Uira (TAU), are looking at ways to better communicate with their customers. So, they want to hear from you. We invite you to participate in a short survey that will take less than five minutes to complete.

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Digital Tip

Simplify Your Social Media Design with Canva

 

Make your social media content creation a breeze by using Canva’s ready-to-go templates. Whether you’re crafting posts, stories, or ads, Canva has a tonne of templates that you can easily tweak to match your brand. This way, you can keep your social media looking consistent and professional without spending hours on design. Plus, since the templates are optimized for each platform, you’ll know your visuals are always on point. It’s a simple way to elevate your brand and connect better with your audience.

 

Here are some things you can do with Canva for your social media:

  • Design Custom Social Media Posts: Create visually striking posts for Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and more.
  • Craft Engaging Instagram Stories: Design dynamic stories with interactive elements like polls and GIFs.
  • Develop Branded Content: Use Canva’s Brand Kit to apply your colors, fonts, and logos across all designs.
  • Produce Social Media Videos: Create short, engaging videos optimized for platforms like Instagram and TikTok.
  • Design Infographics for Social Sharing: Turn complex info into shareable, visually appealing infographics.
  • Create Carousel Posts: Design multi-slide posts for Instagram to showcase products or tell stories.
  • Collaborate on Social Media Campaigns: Work with your team to create and edit social media graphics in real-time.

Events & Activities

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National Events

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

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 

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

15 - 21 September: Underwater Minerals Conference (UMC)

 

Travel Trade Shows (Attended by Cook Islands Tourism)

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

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Industry Links

Flight Schedules

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

Other Links

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

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