The winners of the 2023 Cook Islands People’s Choice Awards (PCA) in both the business and individual categories were announced today, following an online social media voting process that closed on Friday 27 October (CKT) and received over 22,000 votes.

Congratulations to The Vaka Cruise, the winner of the business category with 858 votes, and Mona Taio, the winner of the individual category with 2446 votes.

"These awards recognize and celebrate the voice and choice of the people," says Noeline Mateariki, Sales & Marketing Director of Cook Islands Tourism, fitting, considering this week we as a nation host the PIFLM52 with the theme of Our voices, Our Choices, Our Pacific Way. "With the awards we are able to identify individuals and businesses within the tourism community who embody the Kia Orana values and consistently go above and beyond when delivering memorable moments,". Both winners have exemplified these qualities and so, have stood out among the competition.

About the winners

The Vaka Cruise - Business category winner The Vaka Cruise received high praise from past visitors. Comments consistently spoke about the exceptional experience offered by The Vaka Cruise, which includes return airfares, a lagoon cruise to the popular One Foot Island for snorkeling, and lunch onboard the traditional Vaka Titi-ai-tonga. For more details, please visit www.airraro.com Mona Taio - Individual category winner Mona Taio, the founder of CC Tamure, has won the hearts of voters. Since its launch in 2019, CC Tamure has continued to provide dance classes to our community and visitors gaining increasing popularity. These classes not only promote fitness but also offer insights into our traditional culture through dance and song. To learn more about CC Tamure visit their Facebook page CC Tamure Fitness Cook Islands

Award prize packs

The Vaka Cruise will receive a marketing prize pack worth $3000. This includes an opportunity for one representative to join Cook Islands Tourism in the United States to participate in the 2024 Travel and Adventure Consumer Show. The individual winner, Mona Taio, will receive a prize pack comprising of activity tours and promotional marketing valued at $1500, supported by Cook Islands Tourism. The Cook Islands PCA Awards will become an annual recognition, with winners being announced on World Tourism Day, acknowledging outstanding achievements within the tourism industry on a yearly basis. The Cook Islands PCA Awards will continue to evolve, incorporating categories that represent various tourism business sectors and groups, thereby providing greater opportunities for businesses of all types and sizes to gain recognition.

Cook Islands Tourism extends its congratulations to all the finalists who took part in the 2023 PCA Awards. The top finalist was selected based on total number of nominations received per nominee. Making it on the Top 25 finalist list is a well-deserved achievement that calls for celebration.