10
cook islands
saltwater plunge pools. Special wedding and honeymoon packages are available. There are fi ve wedding packages in all price ranges, including one featuring a ceremony on a tiny deserted island (known locally as a ‘motu’) and specially reserved for the couple and their guests. The resort’s Polynesian Spa offers treatments traditional to or inspired by the South Pacifi c and has both indoor and outdoor treatment rooms. New TV series: There is a focus on
upmarket developments for the Cook Islands, both in terms of airlines and accommodation, but they are still authentically Polynesian and this is one of their greatest charms and a major attraction for tourism.
This fascinating culture is at the centre of a new BBC drama series, Tatau, that was fi lmed on location in the Cook Islands and started on BBC 3 and BBC America last month. The series highlights the beauty of the
Cook Islands from turquoise lagoons to unique
culture,
“The Cooks’ third island, Atiu, is home to 11 native bird species that flourish in its isolated
forests. We’d recommend taking a tour with Birdman George, a colourful local character – the birds literally eat out of his hand”
ELLEN CROSS, AUSTRALASIA EXPERT, COX & KINGS
Where to book it COX & KINGS – 020 7873 5000
including the myths and symbolism of the Rarotongan Maoris. The series is sure to bring the comparatively unknown Cook Islands into focus for thousands of potential visitors.
Tourism talk
“Visitor arrivals are holding up well generally even though the rest of the Pacifi c is down, and the next 12 months
should see this trend continue.
“We welcome around 3000 passengers from the UK every year. This year is going to be particularly good because of the celebrations, with the main constitution celebrations running from July 23 to August 7 and the biggest number of performing dance teams yet.
A 13-day package to the Cooks that includes Rarotonga, Aitutaki and Atiu, including transfers, accommodation with breakfast and a guided tour of each island,
is priced from £3295pp.
coxandkings.co.uk KUONI – 01306 747008 A two-centre holiday, with a stop in Los Angeles (where Air New Zealand changes planes), eight nights at the Little Polynesian Resort, Rarotonga with breakfast and four nights at
Loews Hollywood is from £2949pp.
kuoni.co.uk AUSTRAVEL – 0800 988 4834 A seven-night holiday to the Cook Islands is priced from £1,849pp. The offer includes a week at the three-star-plus Sunset Resort Raratonga on a B&B basis, transfers and return fl ights from London Heathrow with Air New Zealand. Based
Clockwise from top left: A turbo prop plane approaches the runway on Aitutaki; beachside sunset service; luxury resort pool; local fi sherman.
on selected dates in November 2015.
austravel.com PAUL GAUGUIN CRUISES An 11-night Cook & Society Islands cruise, departing December 5 2015, is priced from £3076pp.
pgcruises.com
sellingtravel.co.uk
“We are pressing ahead with online training and doing regular road shows, recently visiting London, Preston (where the evening’s competition winner won a trip to the Cooks), Glasgow and Brighton. “We are particularly pleased that one of the limitations to Cook Islands tourism – airline access – is going to be addressed with the new Air New Zealand planes with their larger capacity, especially in the Premium Economy cabin. Ian Griffi ths, UK Director, Cook Islands Tourism
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68