RAROTONGA (Cook Islands News/Pacnews) — Tourism authorities are projecting visitor numbers to the Cook Islands to be between 50 and 60% of pre Covid-19 figures in the coming months.
Cook Islands Tourism Australasia general manager Graeme West delivered the figures at a global breakfast update hosted by the Cook Islands Tourism Corporation, at the Edgewater Resort and Spa on Tuesday.
“In July we could have 11,000 people, it was 18,612 in 2019 so it’s about 60% of those peak figures.
“Not too bad,” West told a conference of tourism operators.
West projected 9,000 visitors in August, 10,000 in September and 10,500 in October.
“I hope that gives some heart to everybody.”
West estimated tourist numbers could climb to 15,000 if the doors opened to Australia.
He reiterated key points as the past nine months had been “a real roller coaster.”
“We are open, there is no quarantine in either country, and we are Covid free,” he said.
“By late June, most eligible Cook Islanders will be fully vaccinated, adding another layer of comfort and safety for locals and visitors.
“Already, 90% of the eligible population in Rarotonga have had their first Pfizer dose.”
Demand for travel to the Cook Islands had exceeded expectations as New Zealanders responded to the “once in a lifetime opportunity of having the tropical island paradise all to themselves,” he said.
“Bookings and enquiries have been much higher than anticipated, with Air New Zealand adding 16 more flights in July and additional flights through to October.
“With people from New Zealand the only ones able to enter the country, it’s an incredibly special time to visit,” he said.
“The government has consistently made the health and safety of its people its top priority,” West said
He said Australia is now a priority and the target is two to three flights a week between Sydney and Rarotonga.
He said about 45% of visitors are using air credits to pay for their travel.
“There’s a perception it’s free money and as a result we are seeing people buying premium seats and treating themselves to good accommodation.
“We hope that translates to people spending more money here.”
Cook Islands Tourism Corporation sales and marketing director Karla Eggelton addressed the conference following West.
Eggelton said there would be more information to come on the obligations of operators during different alert levels.
“We have created guidelines for operators and visitors.
“We are now completing that information and putting it through health channels, it then goes to the Crown and the Crown has to decide if it’s legal.
“This is in response to the private sector wanting guidelines under different alert levels.
“Some operators have a set of their own standards and have been willing to share them,” said Eggelton.
