knowledge australasia
Cook Islands
Paradise in proportion
With more tourists than ever looking for rustic charm instead of giant resorts, the Cook Islands have come into their own this year. Catherine Quinn discovers why the original boutique destination is hot for 2010
resorts and luxurious facilities are all part of the picture in this region, one group of islands and atolls retains a local flavour as part of the package.
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The Cook Islands are justly celebrated for their conservation of heritage and culture with a magical showcase of paradise scenery. Tahiti and Fiji may boast beaches and bathing, but with zero unemployment and laws prohibiting foreign land ownership, the Cooks are uniquely placed to celebrate local life, island-style.
The islands offer a wealth of locally distinctive experiences, from traditional dancing to coconut crab hunting and fishing with bamboo rods. Other parts of Polynesia are sometimes characterised as a contrast of rich resorts and disadvantaged locals, but in the prosperous Cooks you feel there’s a more even spread of resources.
Burgeoning boutiques
A greater selection of boutique accommodation has emerged, and while resorts enjoy the facilities of international five-star, they are frequently family-run and boast genuine small-scale charm. The main island of Rarotonga has boutiques such as the Manuia Beach Boutique Hotel and the sumptuous Pacific
40 30.04.2010
hen it comes to island idylls, few can beat the iconic white sands and blue seas of Polynesia. But while mega-
Resort, which has come to represent the gold standard for luxury travellers and honeymooners.
These new boutique charms are attracting longer-stay visitors to Rarotonga and beyond, and a new direct flight could attract more holidaymakers still.
“The Cook Islands are becoming increas- ingly popular as a holiday destination rather than just a stopover on the way to Australia or New Zealand,” confirms Katie Warburton, product executive at Austravel. “The new direct flight from Sydney, which is operating for a trial period from July to October 2010, looks set to increase this market and agents would do well to capitalise on it.”
Cool connections
The further reaches of lesser-known islands are also opening up this year. Flights now link the idyllic Aitutaki and the far-flung Atiu, making a sweep of both possible in a week-long trip. Previously, travellers would have had to return to Rarotonga to visit both, so this is a great boon for those hoping to explore the more remote parts of the island group. Aitutaki in particular benefits from a slew of attractive prop- erties, from the lux- urious incarnation
Island life: a traditional dancer Aitutaki Lagoon Resort & Spa
of the Pacific Resort to a number of charm- ing beach bungalows. In Atiu, facilities are suited to more adventurous guests, but those in search of true island life will be rewarded.
Sales appeal
Despite the new direct flight and increasing appeal as a destination in its own right, the Cooks’ selling point remains an exotic stopover with native culture intact. “The Cooks sell well as an excellent alternative Pacific stopover destination,” says Lotus Group product manager Claire Chamberlain. “They are unspoilt by main- stream tourism in that there are no chain or high-rise hotels, but there is no compromise on luxury either.
“Agents should also emphasise that the land and businesses are all still owned by locals, making it a destination where one can still experience traditional customs, but also have the beauty that all the other Pacific destinations can offer.”
Chamberlain adds: “The beaches at Aitutaki and Rarotonga are
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Cook Islands Tourism
Cook Islands Tourism
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