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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
NEW SUB-SECTOR - WEDDING CELEBRANT
We've taken your feedback on board and are pleased to announce that a new sub-sector has been introduced to the weddings and events sector, specifically for "Wedding Celebrants". If you are a wedding celebrant and would like to become Cook Islands Quality Assured, now's the time to fill in an application!
RETAIL REINTRODUCED
We are also pleased to announce the return of the "Retail" sector to Cook Islands Quality Assured. If you are a retailer and want to become Cook Islands Quality Assured simply fill in an application.
NOMINATIONS FOR WORLD TRAVEL AWARDS 2023
The global travel industry's World Travel Awards is a prominent and all-encompassing awards program. As they celebrate their 30th year of honouring top-tier hospitality and tourism operators across the globe, we take pride in announcing that the Cook Islands have garnered several nominations this year in the Oceania category. Pacific Resort Hotel Group have also been nominated in various categories....read more.
To show your support, cast your vote in the World Travel Awards before voting closes on the 23rd of July.
UNITE PACIFIC & MEET THE PACIFIC UK EVENTS
Unite Pacific was back this year for the first time since 2019 with face to face meetings. United Kingdom representatives, Ian Griffiths and Kay Jackson where able to meet with over 30 keen wholesale partners. These efforts were further supported by Turama Pacific's, Managing Director, Robert Skews and Sales & Marketing Manager, Stephen Doherty.
We also participated in the Meet the Pacific Event in London, located centrally off Leicester Square, to engage with front-end sales staff. Over 55 Travel Agency staff members attended the event to learn more about the destination... read more.
TOURISM BID SIENI AND ANDREW FAREWELL
Our Tourism family bids a heartfelt farewell to two of our members, Sieni Tiraa and Andrew Moros. Their contributions and knowledge in the field of Destination Development have greatly benefitted our corporation. Sieni has made an immense impact on Sustainable Tourism in the Cook Islands, while Andrew has effectively managed the development and successful launch of the Cook Islands Quality Assurance Programme. We express our sincere gratitude for their resilience and commitment to Cook Islands Tourism. Please take with you our love and support, and we wish you both the best in your future endeavors. Aere ra e Kia Manuia
In the meantime, for all Quality Assurance queries, please email tourism@cookislands.travel
FISHING PACKAGES A SUCCESS!
Nicolas Petersson from Soderhavsresor Travel Agency in Sweden visited the Cook Islands to experience fishing firsthand. Cook Islands Tourism and Turama Pacific Travel Group partnered in this initiative resulting in the release of Bone fishing packages. Nicolas was accompanied by social media influencer and top fly fisherman in Scandinavia, Mattias Helde. They captured great marketing material which has already been shared on social media. "The fly fishing experience in Aitutaki was amazing!...we already have some very positive reaction on social media," says Nicolas.
THE EDGEWATER RESORT & SPA "TE PAE TAI NUI" TE MIRE ATU
Celebrating original Cook Islands compositions, the annual "Te Mire Atu" competition has become a highly anticipated event. The Ministry of Cultural Development has partnered with The Edgewater Resort & Spa for the next three years, transforming the competition into a dinner and show experience. The event will now be named "The Edgewater Resort & Spa 'Te Pae Tai Nui' Te Mire Atu" and will take place next week on Thursday, March 16, from 6pm. Limited tickets are available for purchase from the Edgewater Resort and the National Library.
GOOGLE TAG YOUR BIZ
Google Maps allows you to drop a pin for your business location that is accessible by all internet users. This online tool allows you to list the exact location and address of your business on the map, thereby helping customers get the right directions to your company. To do this, we recommend registering for a Google My Business account, which is a free business listing and an excellent way to increase your visibility across Google services.
You will need a Google account in order to do this. Google accounts aren't limited to gmail.com addresses, and you can log in with most email addresses.
WHILE IT'S QUIET, STAY TOP OF MIND
We have developed a range of resources available on our corporate site which can be utilised to inform and share with your current and future guests.
- Safety Resources
- Creative Tiles - for social media
ARANUI 5 TO CRUISE THE COOK ISLANDS IN 2023
Aranui 5, based in Papeete, French Polynesia is a dual-purpose passenger and freight vessel. Aranui 5 now adds the Cook Islands to its cruise itinerary! 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. Click Here for more information.
CHATBOTS - WHAT ROLE DO THEY PLAY IN THE TOURISM SECTOR?
In today's fast-paced world, providing prompt responses to numerous queries about your services can be challenging. As travelers increasingly seek information online, they expect immediate answers, placing pressure on customer service teams. If response times are slow, customers are likely to look elsewhere. However, chatbots or live chats can be employed to facilitate real-time online communication between you and your website visitors.
Some advantages of using chatbots are as follows:
- 24/7 customer support,
- Multilingual chatbots can help businesses interact with customers in their preferred language, eliminating language barriers,
- Easy integration with any platform,
- Gathering customer feedback, such as keeping a record of conversations to obtain valuable insights for refining services and marketing strategies.
MARCH
The Edgewater Resort & Spa 'Te Pae Tai Nui' Te Mire Atu
16 March 2023
Aitutaki Marathon Pursuit in Paradise
20 March 2023
APRIL
Dancer of the Year
27 April - 12 May 2023
FLIGHT SCHEDULE
➡️ Air Rarotonga
➡️ Air New Zealand
➡️ Jetstar (NZ)
➡️ Hawaiian Airlines
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For any other Industry queries email headoffice@cookislands.travel