A Cook Islands delegation recently returned from a significant visit to Australia, which took place from November 1 to December 7, 2024. The delegation included key officials such as Tepaeru Herrmann from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bob Williams from Health, Owen Lewis from Education, and Karla Eggelton from Tourism. Their participation in the Canberra Fellowships Programme facilitated discussions on crucial topics including maritime security, education, health, sports, and tourism. This visit marked two years since the signing of the 'Oa Tumanava' partnership agreement between Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown. Australian High Commissioner Phoebe Smith highlighted the importance of cultural exchange and collaboration between the two nations, reinforcing the commitment to strengthen ties through various sectors.
In conjunction with this diplomatic engagement, the Cook Islands Tourism Corporation celebrated its annual People’s Choice Awards on September 27, 2024, recognizing significant contributions to the tourism sector. This year, an impressive 29,000 locals and tourists participated in the voting process, which honored 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 contributions made by various stakeholders in the tourism sector.
Additionally, the cruise tourism sector is experiencing a positive boost. The third cruise ship of the season docked in Rarotonga on December 6, 2024, bringing hundreds of tourists to the island. The cruise season began in November 2024, and Brad Kirner, Director of Destination Development for Cook Islands Tourism, emphasized the economic benefits of these cruise arrivals. Tourists Chris and Fiona Payton from Canyon Lake, Texas, praised the beauty of Rarotonga and the ease of communication with locals. Chris noted that this was their 56th country visited, and they appreciated the proactive tourist information available at the dock and the helpful staff at the Business and Investment Centre. This positive feedback reflects the growing appeal of the Cook Islands as a cruise destination, further enhancing the overall tourism experience. [8fe1f79c] [2d619b5d] [a8c82cce]