ARANUI 5 TO CRUISE THE COOK ISLANDS IN 2023  

Aranui 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 TOURISM 

Te 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.

RATES INCREASE FOR AITUTAKI DAY TOUR & THE VAKA CRUISE

As 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.

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!

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