No images? Click here Welcome to the latest edition of Coconut Connection. Your Tourism Industry Updates directly from Cook Islands Tourism Corporation.Feel free to share the newsletter with your colleagues, family, and members of the community. If you have not yet subscribed, please subscribe here. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us by email: headoffice@cookislands.travel COOK ISLANDS TO ATTEND SPTE 2023 Cook Islands Tourism along with four local industry members have confirmed participation at the upcoming South Pacific Tourism Exchange (SPTE) to be held from the 12th - 13th of May 2023 in Christchurch, New Zealand. SPTE is the premier Pacific travel trade show organised by the Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO). It is a cost-effective platform for Pacific Island partners to exchange their exciting products with international buyers from across the globe. Register now to attend SPTE 2023 and avoid disappointment. Access the EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT before 31st December 2022. The closing date for final registrations is Friday, 17th February 2023. ARANUI 5 TO CRUISE THE COOK ISLANDS IN 2023Aranui 5, based in Papeete, French Polynesia is a dual-purpose passenger and freight vessel, combining the comforts of a cruise ship and providing cargo services. While Aranui’s traditional itinerary offers a 12-day all-inclusive cruise to the Marquesas, Tuamotu & Society islands we are excited to announce that Aranui 5 is set to add the Cook Islands to its cruise itinerary in 2023! The Cook Islands cruise is a 9-day/8 night itinerary visiting Raiatea, Aitutaki, Atiu, Rarotonga, and Bora Bora. For those who prefer a short-stay cruise from within the Cook Islands or to Tahiti. REGENERATIVE TOURISM - THE NEW STRATEGIC FOCUS FOR COOK ISLANDS TOURISMTe Kaveinga Manava Turoto o te Ipukarea is the new Cook Islands Tourism Development Strategy (CITDS). The CITDS will guide the operations of the destination development team within Cook Islands Tourism. The CITDS builds upon the work achieved in this space and will improve and strengthen areas previously underrepresented. CITDS focuses on a more regenerative approach to tourism and destination development over the next five years. Regenerative tourism refers to supporting an environment that caters to a visitor who will leave a destination better than it was before. QUALITY ASSURED PROGRAMME COMING SOON!The Business Partnership team has been busy with the final touches for the new Cook Islands Quality Assured (CIQA) programme. We're very excited to launch the programme to the industry on 01 January 2023. If you want to become a Cook Islands Quality Assured operator you can check out the new standards and guidelines HERE. WHAT COURSES WOULD YOU LIKE TO TAKE AT CITTI IN 2023?With over 100 students walking across the stage in November at the CITTI graduation ceremony, CITTI is now planning for 2023 and would like to know what courses you would like to see in 2023. Let CITTI know by completing their survey HERE MANA TIAKI PROGRAMMES WRAP UP VAKA PRIDE FOR 2022!The Vaka Pride programme wrapped up it's 23rd round of this successful initiative. In the last round funds to the value of $11,000 was distributed to deserving individuals and community groups as Mana Tiaki champions. Read More... RATES INCREASE FOR AITUTAKI DAY TOUR & THE VAKA CRUISEAs of January 1st, 2023 The Aitutaki Day Tour and The Vaka Cruise will increase rates for bookings made for April 1st 2023 onwards. The increase is due to fuel increases, other escalating costs and planned service upgrades for 2023. Aitutaki Day Tour Adult: $599 Child: $449.25 (2-11 yrs) Infant: FREE (under 2 years). The Vaka Cruise Adult: $199 Child: $85 (5-11 yrs) Infant: FREE (under 5 years). Please note, all existing bookings and bookings made before January 1st will be honoured at the current rate. WELCOME TO THE TEAM TIARE!We say Kia Orana to Tiare Henry- Anguna who is the latest intern at Cook Islands Tourism. She has recently completed her final year at Tereora College and has gained an amazing opportunity to be a part of the team at Tourism. TOURISM RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS A POSITIVE EXPERIENCEThe latest International Visitor Survey (IVS) report for the period of July-September 2022 shows that the Tourism industry met visitors' expectations. Read the full IVS report HERE JANELLE WARD VISITS OUR LITTLE PARADISE An editor and writer with decades of experience in publishing, is now delving deep into the retirement and travel spaces. Janelle came to The Cook Islands to experience the island life, she writes "voted by many travel writers as the most beautiful islands in the world, Aitutaki & Rarotonga: how to get there, where to stay, what to do there, why and how the islands have managed to stay so natural, unspoilt and safe for visitors." WONDERING WHERE TO EAT THIS FESTIVE SEASON? Check out all the cafes, eateries and restaurants operating during the Christmas and New Year period. Put your feet up this Festive Season and let someone else do the cooking! CRUISE SCHEDULE FOR 22/23 VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE FESTIVE SEASON OPENING HOURS Please note our visitor centre opening hours over the festive season. The remainder of the team shall be out of the office with full operations to resume as of Monday 9 January 2023. During this time, please feel welcome to call the office at +682 29435 or email: tourism@cookislands.travel SHOULD YOUR BUSINESS BE ON TIKTOK? For social marketers, TikTok is becoming increasingly hard to ignore. Contrary to popular belief, TikTok is not just for Gen Z, meaning marketers can reach other age groups on this platform. Another common misconception is that brands don’t belong on TikTok. There’s a huge opportunity for brands and organizations of all shapes and sizes on TikTok. With the launch of in-app shopping, it’s become even more essential to brands looking to connect directly with customers. DECEMBER JANUARY FLIGHT SCHEDULE ➡️ Air Rarotonga INDUSTRY TOOLKIT EVENTS COCONUT CONNECTIONS ONLINE IMAGE GALLERY DINING & ACTIVITIES For any other Industry queries email headoffice@cookislands.travel |