The Cook Islands Tourism Corporation held its annual People’s Choice Awards on September 27, 2024, honoring significant contributions to the tourism sector. This year, an impressive 29,000 locals and tourists participated in the voting process, which recognized excellence in two main categories. Captain Tama’s Lagoon Cruise was awarded the top honor in the Business Category, while Ali Ma’ao, a cultural ambassador from Aitutaki, received the accolade in the Individual Category. Prime Minister Mark Brown emphasized the vital role of people in the success of tourism, noting that revenue from the sector has surpassed $500 million. The event also paid tribute to the late Kave Tamaariki with a special Tourism Legacy Award, highlighting the enduring impact of individuals in the industry. The awards saw a significant increase in nominations this year, with over 900 submissions compared to 625 last year, reflecting the growing recognition of the contributions made by various stakeholders in the tourism sector. [2d619b5d]