Tourism
‘Pearl of the Pacific’ - Cook Islands tourism needs promotional boost
Wednesday 21 February 2024 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in Economy, National, Tourism
Having returned from an Australian Entire Travel Group Roadshow, Cook Islands Tourism Industry Council president Liana Scott says competition is fierce in the marketplace, and promotions need to start now.
Tourism seeks additional $3.5m to protect Cook Islands’ ‘golden goose’
Monday 19 February 2024 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in Economy, National, Tourism
Cook Islands Tourism is requesting $3.5 million in additional funding to invest in optimising the new flight routes, develop outer island tourism, and create a path for diversification in the tourism sector.
Don’t miss the plane: Time to diversify and future proof tourism, says Eggelton
Wednesday 14 February 2024 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in Business, Economy, National, Tourism
At Tuesday’s global business update at The Edgewater Resort, Cook Islands Tourism chief executive officer Karla Eggelton told an audience of about 60 people that 2024 is “shaping up to be a positive year” and now is the time to diversify and future-proof the industry.
Tourists reunited with stolen bag, minus cash
Saturday 10 February 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Crime, National, Tourism
French tourists’ stolen bag was found in a bush, missing only cash, with police investigating and Tourism Council urging vigilance and stronger security measures.
Tapping into more tourism plans for the Pa Enua
Tuesday 6 February 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National, Outer Islands, Tourism
Through destination development, Cook Islands Tourism Corporation is looking at opportunities, stating that “an opportunity exists to expand the tourism offering and amplify community-led tourism in the Pa Enua”.
Visitor arrivals jump 26 per cent in 2023
Thursday 25 January 2024 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, National, Tourism
Visitor arrivals for 2023 have jumped 26.3 per cent of the number recorded in the year 2022, exceeding the expectations of the Cook Islands tourism industry.
Pause on Sydney flights estimated to cost national economy $2.21m
Monday 22 January 2024 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Economy, Local, National, Tourism
The Cook Islands economy is bracing for a more than $2 million loss in revenue when direct flights from Australia are suspended for the final month of summer.
Rarotonga on sale: ‘Spike’ in flight bookings amidst slow tourism season
Tuesday 16 January 2024 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Economy, National, Tourism
Airfares between Auckland and Rarotonga have dipped to under $300 as New Zealand’s flag carrier airline launches a flash sale in the midst of the Cook Islands’ slow tourism season.
Pero parks his ideas of a North American connection for Cook Islands
Monday 15 January 2024 | Written by Al Williams | Published in National, Tourism
Businessman Mike Pero has parked his proposal for a North American connection with the Cook Islands.
Fee-ling unwelcome: Canadian visitor calls out immigration fees
Friday 12 January 2024 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, Local, National, Tourism
Canadian Terry Snutch fell in love with the Cook Islands 34 years-ago - staying for extended periods across the decades and happily paying for the privilege – that has now changed.
Staycations on offer during quiet period for large operators
Tuesday 9 January 2024 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Environment, Features, Go Local, National, Tourism
Staycation offers are assisting visitor accommodation providers to get through the quiet months on Rarotonga.
Report missing luggage promptly, says Air NZ
Thursday 4 January 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National, Tourism
Air New Zealand passengers arriving in Rarotonga with missing checked bags are advised to inform the airline’s team as soon as possible.
Tourism seeks ‘smaller’ cruise liners to beat weather and infrastructure hurdle
Thursday 28 December 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, Environment, National, Tourism, Weather
The overreliance on favourable weather conditions significantly hinders Cook Islands Tourism’s ability to further develop the cruise market, says the corporation’s director of destination development Brad Kirner.
Jetstar flights to Rarotonga sell out for festive season
Friday 22 December 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National, Tourism
Most Jetstar flights to and from Rarotonga, through the Sydney and Auckland routes, have been sold out this festive season.
‘Please heed the signs’: resident makes plea to tourists
Wednesday 20 December 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Editor's Pick, Local, National, Tourism
A resident of Vaimaanga in Titikaveka is calling on tourists to heed the warning signs that have been put in place for their own safety.
Cook Islands celebrates stellar cruise year despite weather woes
Tuesday 19 December 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, Features, National, Tourism, Weekend
Cruise Cook Islands has wrapped up an exceptional season, welcoming numerous cruise ships to both Rarotonga and Aitutaki.
An Aitutakian’s guide for returning family
Monday 18 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Go Local, National, Tourism, Weekend
Aitutaki local Linda Ruamoana shares 10 tips for returning Cook Islanders/Aitutakian families visiting the island, urging them to be mindful of the island’s limited resources and customs.
Aitutaki's newest resort expanding
Monday 11 December 2023 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Features, National, Tourism, Weekend
Construction continues on a new Aitutaki resort which opened more than a month early to accommodate the Pacific Islands Forum.
Cruise ship makes detour to Palmerston with medical supplies
Friday 8 December 2023 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Economy, National, Tourism
With the next cargo ship visit to Palmerston two months away, a passing cruise ship will be dropping off medical supplies to the island on its way to Tonga.
Tourism launches business survey
Wednesday 6 December 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Economy, National, Tourism
Cook Islands Tourism is seeking the input of businesses across the country to identify the key challenges and opportunities they face.
