Travel
Jetstar scrambles to rebook passengers after tech outage cancels flights
Saturday 20 July 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National, Travel
Air New Zealand flights to Rarotonga were unaffected by a global tech outage that disrupted flights and other services worldwide, while Jetstar cancelled some flights but was working to rebook passengers.
Cook Islands People’s Choice Awards return to celebrate tourism champions
Thursday 11 July 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in National, Travel
After a major success in its inaugural year, the Cook Islands People’s Choice Awards have returned, to highlight once again those in the local tourism industry and broader community who best emulate the Kia Orana Values.
Rarotonga prepares official ceremony for Vaka Marumaru Atua's arrival
Saturday 6 July 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National, Outer Islands, Travel, Weather
Rejoicing at the arrival of Vaka Marumaru Atua and their celebrated and prominent son, master navigator Captain Peia Patai, and crew, the community of Akatokamanava Mauke turned out in force to welcome the team ashore.
Record year for Aussie visitors to the Cook Islands
Wednesday 3 July 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Economy, National, Travel
It’s anticipated that this financial year will see more Australian visitors to the Cook Islands than ever before, with 32,000 holidaying here.
Medicinal cannabis now permitted in Cook Islands with prescription
Wednesday 3 July 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Health, Local, National, Travel
Cook Islanders and visitors can now bring in medicinal cannabis into the country from New Zealand and Australia provided they meet certain requirements, says Te Marae Ora (TMO), Ministry for Health.
Second HIV case in five years, Te Marae Ora to probe origin
Tuesday 2 July 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Health, Local, National, Travel
Cook Islands recorded a new HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) case this year, bringing the total to two in the past five years, and health officials are investigating the origin of the infection.
Tourism targets French travellers with Paris event
Wednesday 19 June 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in National, Travel
Nick Costantini, the Cook Islands Tourism (CIT) representative in Southern Europe, spearheaded an event in Paris earlier this month aimed at raising awareness and educating the travel trade about the Cook Islands.
Cook Islands and Honolulu sign sister city agreement, eyeing tourism boost
Saturday 8 June 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National, Pacific Islands, Regional, Travel
Prime Minister Mark Brown yesterday signed an agreement to establish a ‘sister-city relationship’ between Rarotonga, Cook Islands, and Honolulu, Hawaii, in the hope of building a stronger partnership and growth in inbound visitor numbers from Honolulu and the United States.
Tourism industry, Fijian residents welcome NZ scrapping transit visas
Friday 7 June 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Fiji, National, New Zealand, Regional, Travel
Cook Islands tourism industry and Fijians residing here have welcomed New Zealand’s decision to lift transit visa requirements for Fiji nationals travelling through NZ.
Vaka Marumaru Atua crew greeted by host country and Cook Islanders in Hawaii
Tuesday 4 June 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National, Travel
The Cook Islands voyaging canoe Marumaru Atua arrived at Sand Island, Hawaii, on Saturday.
Tourism operators commit to safety with annual water safety programme
Saturday 1 June 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in National, Travel
Fifty marine tourism operators from Rarotonga are currently taking part in an annual water safety programme, delivered by Te Mato Manava Turoto Cook Islands Tourism (CIT), in partnership with Water Safety & Surf Lifesaving Cook Islands.
Direct flights from Honolulu show ‘steady improvements’
Thursday 30 May 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, Local, National, Travel
Cook Islands celebrated the first anniversary of their direct flights from Honolulu, hoping to attract more North American tourists despite a slow start.
Cook Islanders advised to check extended wait times for passports
Wednesday 29 May 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Travel
The New Zealand High Commission in the Cook Islands has advised applicants to check the extended processing time (up to 8 weeks) before applying for a New Zealand passport due to system upgrades.
Tourism enhances safety for Cross-Island Trek with new signage
Tuesday 28 May 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in National, Travel
Cook Islands Tourism in partnership with other stakeholders has installed a new safety sign with maps, tips and emergency contacts for the popular Cross-Island Trek.
Rarotonga resort prioritises sustainability to meet eco- conscious tourist demands
Friday 24 May 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Environment, Features, Go Local, National, Travel
A Rarotonga-based resort is participating in a German-funded green hydrogen project to reduce its carbon footprint and become more sustainable for environmentally conscious tourists.
Cruise Cook Islands wraps up ‘positive season’ despite cancellations
Thursday 23 May 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Travel
The Cruise Cook Islands’ 2023/24 season ended on a positive note with Paul Gauguin making a visit to Aitutaki and Rarotonga on Tuesday and Wednesday, respectively.
Cook Islands Tourism defends emergency procedures after tourist death
Thursday 23 May 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National, Travel
Appropriate emergency procedures were followed during a medical event which resulted in the death of a New Zealand tourist on Tuesday afternoon, says Cook Islands Tourism.
NZ tourist dies on snorkelling tour, Police investigate
Wednesday 22 May 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Health, National, New Zealand, Regional, Travel
A 49-year-old woman from New Zealand has been confirmed dead after being transported in an ambulance from the Avaavaroa Passage in Vaimaanga yesterday.
Cook Islands tourism booms, early arrivals smash record
Tuesday 21 May 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy, National, Travel
Visitor arrivals are trending towards a record this year, with the highest total in the first four months of 2024. However, Cook Islands Tourism says they will still fall short of the 2019 record.
Cook Islands open to airlines, eyes North American expansion
Monday 20 May 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Business, Economy, National, Parliament, Travel
Cook Islands welcomes any airline interested in flying to the country, especially those that can expand the country’s reach to North America and Europe, says Prime Minister Mark Brown.
