Tuesday, August 27, 2024 New leadership for the 2024-25 financial year will be chosen at the Cook Islands Tourism Industry Council’s annual general meeting this Wednesday . The upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Cook Islands Tourism Industry Council is poised to be a significant event for all involved in the tourism sector. Scheduled to take place at the scenic Ocean Escape Resort, this gathering is open to all tourism operators and financial members, offering a platform for active participation and engagement within the industry.
President Liana Scott has highlighted that a range of important issues will be on the agenda, reflecting the current needs and future aspirations of the tourism sector. These discussions are expected to address both the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, ensuring that all voices within the industry are heard and considered. The AGM represents a crucial moment for collaboration among tourism stakeholders, as the decisions made during this meeting will likely influence the direction of the industry in the coming year.
Attendees can anticipate a robust dialogue that will cover a broad spectrum of topics relevant to sustaining and growing the tourism industry in the Cook Islands. As tourism remains a vital component of the Cook Islands economy, the outcomes of this AGM are expected to have far-reaching implications. The participation of all eligible members is strongly encouraged, as their insights and contributions will be invaluable in shaping the future of the sector.
Overall, this week’s AGM at the Ocean Escape Resort stands as an important opportunity for tourism operators and financial members to come together, address pressing issues, and collaboratively plan for a successful 2024-25 financial year. Since assuming the presidency in 2020, Liana Scott has actively urged more tourism owner/operators in the Cook Islands to take a more active role in the council’s initiatives. She emphasized the importance of greater involvement in the projects that the council adopts as its focus for the year, highlighting the collective impact that can be achieved when industry leaders collaborate and contribute their expertise.
Scott believes that a stronger participation from these key stakeholders is essential for driving the success of the tourism industry in the Cook Islands. By engaging more deeply with the council’s working projects, she hopes to foster a sense of shared responsibility and commitment among all members, ultimately leading to more effective and impactful outcomes for the sector as a whole. The tourism industry is witnessing an unprecedented surge in visitor numbers, with current trends indicating that a new record for total arrivals could be set by the end of this calendar year.
This remarkable growth suggests that the industry is on course to surpass previous benchmarks, marking a significant milestone for the sector. As the year progresses, the steady increase in tourist arrivals reflects the industry’s strong recovery and growing appeal, positioning it to achieve this new high by December. If these trends continue, the tourism sector will celebrate a historic achievement, further solidifying its vital role in the economy.
In the 2023/24 financial year, spanning from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, New Zealand emerged as the dominant source of visitors, contributing 68 percent of the market share, with Australia following at 20 percent. During this period, the Cook Islands welcomed a total of 163,552 visitors, with the final quarter—April to June 2024—setting new records for tourist arrivals. April saw 13,968 arrivals, May recorded 15,790, and June reached 16,191.
The eagerly anticipated July figures, expected to be released this week, are predicted to surpass the previous record of 18,612 arrivals set in 2019. In the first half of 2024, from January to June, the Cook Islands received a record-breaking 75,435 visitors. The highest annual visitor count was recorded in 2019, with 171,550 arrivals, followed by 168,760 in 2018 and 161,362 in 2017.
After the decline during the Covid-19 pandemic, which saw travel restrictions and border closures, visitor numbers rebounded to 113,551 in 2022 and 143,506 in 2023. Earlier this year, economists at ANZ bank projected a 2 percent increase in inbound demand, predicting that the Cook Islands could welcome up to 175,000 visitors, surpassing the arrival numbers of 2019. This forecast reflects a steady recovery and growth in the tourism sector, bolstered by the island nation’s increasing appeal as a top destination.
Remarkably, the actual visitor growth for the first half of this year has exceeded these expectations, trending at 4 percent higher than the 2019 figures. The strong performance in visitor arrivals signals a robust rebound for the Cook Islands, with tourism numbers continuing to rise. The first six months of the year have set a promising tone, suggesting that the annual target of 175,000 visitors is well within reach.
This upward trend is a testament to the resilience and enduring attractiveness of the Cook Islands as a preferred travel destination, even amid global uncertainties. Adding to this momentum, the Cook Islands has earned an impressive global ranking as the second most recommended destination, boasting a 93 percent satisfaction rate. This high level of satisfaction is particularly notable among travelers from key markets such as New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
The positive feedback from these visitors underscores the island’s ability to deliver exceptional experiences that resonate across diverse international audiences. The high satisfaction rate also speaks volumes about the quality of tourism services and the unique charm of the Cook Islands. Visitors have praised not only the natural beauty of the islands but also the warm hospitality and cultural richness that make their stay memorable.
These elements combine to create a destination that not only meets but often exceeds expectations, driving repeat visits and strong word-of-mouth recommendations. As the Cook Islands continues to captivate travelers from around the world, the growing visitor numbers and high satisfaction rates highlight the successful strategies implemented by the tourism sector. These efforts have positioned the Cook Islands as a top-tier destination, attracting visitors who are looking for an authentic and enriching travel experience.
Looking ahead, the Cook Islands’ tourism industry appears well-positioned for sustained growth. With visitor satisfaction at an all-time high and arrival numbers on a steady incline, the islands are set to further cement their reputation as a must-visit destination. The combination of strategic marketing, exceptional visitor experiences, and natural allure ensures that the Cook Islands will continue to thrive in the global tourism landscape.
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