Economy
Waterfall fee takes its toll on visitors
Monday 23 April 2018 | Published in Economy
I read the letter regarding the road toll at the falls.
Rental shortage bites
Monday 23 April 2018 | Published in Economy
A prominent figure in the tourism industry says growth in tourism has been a catalyst for the current shortage of long-term rental accommodation on Rarotonga.
It's tourism's big night!
Friday 20 April 2018 | Published in Economy
The tourism industry will tonight celebrate excellence and outstanding performance with the announcement of the winners of the 2018 Air New Zealand Cook Islands Tourism Awards.
Bluesky supports tourism awards
Wednesday 18 April 2018 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy
Bluesky Cook Islands is continuing with its support and sponsorship for the biennial Air New Zealand Cook Islands Tourism Awards.
More funding to go round
Monday 16 April 2018 | Published in Economy
Registered Civil Society organisations have been invited by the Social Impact Fund (SIF) to appeal for project funding in six designated priority areas.
Cook Islands at Indigenous Tourism Summit
Monday 16 April 2018 | Published in Economy
Cook Islander Ani Katu is representing the nation at the current World Indigenous Tourism Summit 2018, hosted by New Zealand Maori Tourism in conjunction with the World Indigenous Tourism Alliance (WINTA).
Govt confirms shipping subsidy
Monday 16 April 2018 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy
The government has confirmed the availability of a shipping subsidy for vessels servicing the northern group islands, with the first subsidised voyage having taken place earlier this month.
Cook Islands economy strongest in South Pacific
Monday 16 April 2018 | Published in Economy
A recent report released by the Asian Development Bank has indicated that the Cook Islands economy continues to be the strongest performing in the South Pacific.
Cook Islands can compete internationally
Tuesday 10 April 2018 | Published in Economy
Pacific Trade Invest Australia (PTI) says the Cook Islands has the capability to compete in the international marketplace.
Airbnb market grows massively
Friday 6 April 2018 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy
The Airbnb (AirBed and Breakfast) market in the Cook Islands recorded a growth of 134 per cent last year.
Fast-track work permit programme extended
Wednesday 4 April 2018 | Published in Economy
A pilot programme fast-tracking work permits for New Zealand passport holders willing to work in the Cook Islands on a short-term basis has been extended for another year, and will also be opened up to Australian passport holders.
Orr takes reins at NZ Reserve Bank
Tuesday 27 March 2018 | Published in Economy
Adrian Orr yesterday stepped into the top job at the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) as its new governor.
Visitor arrivals recover in February
Saturday 24 March 2018 | Written by Jaimie Keay | Published in Economy
The tourism industry made a quick recovery in visitor arrival figures last month after posting a decline in January this year.
Chamber welcomes Maori business opportunities
Saturday 24 March 2018 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy
The Chamber of Commerce welcomes the opportunity for New Zealand’s Federation of Maori Authorities (FOMA) and Cook Islands representatives to discuss furthering business opportunities.
Weaker US dollar means cheaper LPG
Wednesday 21 March 2018 | Published in Economy
The Price Tribunal has issued a new price order for Rarotonga and all islands reflecting new prices for petrol, diesel and LPG.
Local businesses at Pasifika
Wednesday 21 March 2018 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy
Two local companies will attend the 26th Pasifika Festival to be held this weekend at Western Springs Park, Auckland in New Zealand.
Cruise visitors enjoy their day
Thursday 15 March 2018 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy
Light showers on Tuesday failed to dampen the spirit of cruise ship tourists, who enjoyed their day out in Rarotonga.
Tourism office nominated for prestigious prize
Thursday 15 March 2018 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy
Cook Islands Tourism Corporation Australia has been nominated for the Best Tourist Office – International at the Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA) National Travel Industry Awards 2018.
Pacific Resort group expands
Monday 12 March 2018 | Published in Economy
Pacific Resort Hotel Group (PRHG) is continuing to expand with the addition of Royale Takitumu to its portfolio of properties. The group offers a range of management services via its franchise partner hotel programme. As a partner hotel, Royale Takitumu now benefits from PRHG’s substantial support network, global marketing, international sales team and sales field support, along with guidance and support in hotel operations to deliver high levels of guest satisfaction and experience. Established in 1998, and now under new ownership, Royale Takitumu continues a long tradition of offering premium, secluded accommodation for the discerning traveller. The deluxe boutique beachfront property is located on Titikaveka beach, one of the top 15 beaches in the South Pacific according to Trip Advisor. Royale Takitumu’s new owners are John and Rose Dunn. John is a Cook Islander based in New Zealand. A successful surgeon and private hospital owner/operator Dunn also works at Rarotonga hospital, having introduced equipment and training there. His wife Rose is a designer whose houses are award-winning, and she is a major patron of Pacific art through Tautai in Auckland. Both are passionate about the Cook Islands and look forward to working with PRHG to bring their aesthetic and vision to Royale Takitumu. Group chief executive Marcus Niszow says he is excited with the addition to the PRHG family. “Royale Takitumu is a great complement to our existing beachfront resort portfolio in the Cook Islands. The cultural fabric of Royale Takitumu is closely aligned with PRHG’s brand ethos and together we aim to reach new heights in terms of overall product quality and guest experience”. PRHG owns three award-winning properties in the Cook Islands, and provides management services to five others. The PRHG franchise partner programme allows Royale Takitumu to retain day-to-day operational management while benefiting from the expertise and marketing resources of the Cook Island’s largest revenue hotel group. - Release
January shows downturn in visitor arrivals
Monday 12 March 2018 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy
After welcoming a record number of visitors to the Cook Islands last year, the tourism industry noted a decline in the visitor arrivals for the opening month of the year.