Cook Islands Tourism sees the Tourism Awards as a celebration of diversity

Chief executive officer of Cook Islands Tourism (CIT) Halatoa Fua believes the 2018 Air New Zealand Cook Islands Tourism Awards is an ideal opportunity for CIT not only to work together with the tourism industry, but also to demonstrate the government’s strong commitment to tourism.

Cook Islands Tourism is continuing its Gold sponsorship of the 2018 Air New Zealand Cook Islands Tourism Awards, which comes to a head at the Gala Event on Friday 20 April at the National Auditorium.

Mr. Fua pointed out that from an economic point‐of‐view, tourism contributes over 60% GDP for the Cook Islands.

“The bulk of our visitors come from New Zealand (60%), which is about 107,000 visitors. Around 26,000 come from Australia, 11,000 from North America, and about 11,000 from Europe.”

Mr. Fua said the growth has been primarily from New Zealand and Australia, and more recently from North America.
“As we are the representatives for tourism within the government, CIT feel it is important to partner with the tourism industry in the Tourism Awards.

“Primarily, because the Awards acknowledge a hard working private sector that dominates the tourism industry; but also, quality assurance is very important for us because return business depends on quality experiences in the Cook Islands, and having the tourism awards helps promote that aspect.

“We see the 2018 Air New Zealand Cook Islands Tourism Awards as a celebration of the diversity we have. Economic development in the Cook Islands relies on the tourism industry!”

Mr. Fua said the Cook Islands Visitor Survey shows that 98% of visitors would recommend the Cook Islands.
“I am pleased to say that satisfaction rate has been consistent.”

Mr. Fua said ‘everyone wins’ with the Cook Islands Tourism Awards.

“It is a good celebration of a major Cook Islands industry.

“I want to congratulate the members of the tourism industry who believe in the accreditation scheme as it is a good step towards improving their product; and it’s a way to join others in providing a better voice for the industry.

“We see this as a good way to work together, not only as an industry but with the government to provide a strong proposition for the Cook Islands”.
For more information:
Halatoa Fua
Chief Executive Officer
Cook Islands Tourism Corporation
T: 29 435
E: halatoa.fua@cookislands.gov.ck