2024 Cook Islands People’s Choice Award Ceremony a hit

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Cook Islands
"The reason why our tourism industry is successful is not just because of our strategies, or tactics, but it's our people. People make our product what it is. More than that, it's the passion, what you love, and what you do that makes a real difference."

2024 People’s Choice Awards (PCA) winners were celebrated at a special awards ceremony hosted today in Cabinet Gardens by the Prime Minister, Hon Mark Brown, on World Tourism Day, Friday 27 September 2024.


Hon Mark Brown, congratulated all of the PCA finalists and remarked, “What a wonderful way to recognise those who play such a significant role in making our tourism product what it is today….The reason why our tourism industry is successful is not just because of our strategies, or tactics, but it's our people. People make our product what it is. More than that, it's the passion, what you love, and what you do that makes a real difference.


Business Category Winner: Captain Tama’s Lagoon Cruizes Captain Tama’s Lagoon Cruizes based in Muri, Rarotonga took home the business category award. Nominees for Captain Tama’s noted the authenticity displayed by every member of Captain Tama’s team, with many noting they didn’t stop smiling throughout the experience. Nominations spoke to the team embodying the Cook Islands’ spirit and providing life-long memories that visitors share with others, making them more likely to recommend the Cook Islands as a destination of choice.


"We work alongside a lot of passionate, young people that deliver services to our tourists. It's a testament to our colleagues... We (try to) deliver a service that we are so passionate about. Rain or shine, we carry with us our culture, our families, our people, those in the past and (those with us) today. We honour them, this is for them. Without them, instilling in us children, tamariki, na koutou kare na matou e autu teia korona teitei i teia ra” - Martha Nikoia, Captain Tama’s Cruizes


Individual Category & Kia Orana Champion Winner: Arerau (Ali) Maao Congratulations to the individual category winner and Kia orana Champion, Ali Maao, a dedicated team member of the Vaka Cruise in Aitutaki. Ali was described in nominations as an exceptional guide and storyteller with a heart for tourism. His generosity in sharing the Cook Islands’ unique culture and traditions demonstrates the value our visitors have on authentic interactions in the activities they choose to do.


"This is our hard work... What I do is not just for me, but for the people of Aitutaki, for my family, for the company itself. Like what the PM said, you've gotta do it with passion. Do something that you're passionate about, do something that you love and you gotta love what you do. I believe that each one of us are here because we love what we do (within) the tourism industry"


Special recognition: Kave Tamaariki – Tourism Legacy Award A special Tourism Legacy Award was introduced this year to honour Kave Tamaariki for his contributions to the tourism industry. “His impact was evident in the number of heartfelt nominations he received for the 2024 People's Choice Awards,” said Karla Eggelton, CEO of Cook Islands Tourism. His wife, Jules Tamaariki, accepted the award on his behalf at the ceremony “I’m overwhelmed and so proud that my husband is recognized with such a special award, the first of its kind.”


About the People’s Choice Awards Guided by the Kia Orana values, the 2024 Cook Islands People’s Choice Awards is a Cook Islands Tourism initiative that celebrates champions from our tourism industry and broader community who exude passion and deliver outstanding authentic experiences. Nominations are sought from the public and refined into a short list of finalists. Open voting then took place via Facebook for four weeks.


With 900 nominations and 29,000 votes, the 2024 Awards have surpassed last year’s. The Awards have once again engaged the local community, past and present visitors, to reflect on the unforgettable experiences and memories delivered by our tourism industry and the wider community here in the Cook Islands. As the tourism economy moves from recovery to a resilient and sustainable one, the People’s Choice Awards reflects the importance and need for consistent visitor experiences, professionalism, and authenticity delivered with the Kia Orana spirit, says Karla Eggelton, CEO Cook Islands Tourism “Our people are amazing, and they show us every day what Kia Orana means”.


The categories are: - Business Category: Highlights tourism operators that define exceptional service and memorable experiences. The winner of this category receives a ‘Marketing & Promotional’ package valued at approximately NZ$12,000.

- Individual Category, Kia Orana Champion: Recognises passionate individuals who deliver authentic, personal interactions that turn visits into lasting memories. The winner of this category is awarded the title of ‘People’s Choice Awards Kia Orana Champion 2024’ and a Travel and Marketing package, valued at approximately NZ$7,000.