2024 Cook Islands People's Choice Awards Are Back!

"The Cook Islands People's Choice Awards have returned, to highlight once again those in our tourism industry and broader community who best emulate our Kia Orana Values",says Karla Eggelton, CEO, Cook Islands Tourism Corporation. "The response last year was fantastic, with over 600 nominations across the business and individual categories, and an impressive 22,000 votes cast with participation from both visitors and residents. This year we look forward to celebrating excellence once again."

What are the People’s Choice Awards (PCA)

The Cook Islands People’s Choice Awards celebrate our tourism champions across two categories. The Business category highlights tourism operators that define exceptional service and memorable experiences, while the Individual category (Kia Orana Champion) recognises passionate individuals who deliver authentic, personal interactions that turn visits into lasting memories.

More than an accolade for excellence, the PCAs celebrate the spirit of our community and the unique experiences that make up our little paradise. The PCAs provide a platform to nominate members of our community. "They may come for the warmth of the sun, but it’s the warmth of our people that they remember long after their visit" says Noeline Mateariki,Director of Global Sales and Marketing. "This sentiment remains a fundamental part of our marketing efforts because it highlights the invaluable role our people have in making our little paradise unique, distinguishing us from other destinations."

Past winners

The inaugural People's Choice Awards in 2023 celebrated two outstanding winners: The Vaka Cruise in the business category and Mona Taio in the individual category. Since gaining recognition, The Vaka Cruise has set new industry benchmarks with the launch of the vaka Teariki Moana and Mona Taio has gained widespread acknowledgment from the community, earning the title of Woman of the Month for her contributions.

Categories & Awards

- Business Category: Highlighting tourism operators that define exceptional service and memorable experiences

- Individual Category (Kia Orana Champion): Recognises passionate individuals who deliver authentic, personal interactions that turn visits into lasting memories.

In the Business Category, the winner will receive a ‘Marketing & Promotional’ package valued at approximately NZ$12,000. In the Individual Category, the winner will be honoured with PCA Kia Orana Champion 2024 and a Travel and Marketing package, valued at approximately NZ$7,000. Cook Islands Tourism recognises the value of the People's Choice Awards and therefore have increased the award packages to reflect this commitment.

How to Nominate?

Nominations are now open! Visit www.cookislands.travel/PCA and submit your nominations through the nomination form by 07 August 2024, 12 noon. Ensure to tell us how the nominee made your experience memorable.

Important Dates:

- Nominations Open: 10 July 2024, at 12 noon (CKT)

- Nominations Close: 07 August 2024, at 12 noon (CKT)

Join Us!

Cook Islands Tourism invites all visitors and residents to join us in this celebration. Whether you’re cheering for your favourite resort, your go-to tour guide, or the best island burger, it’s your opportunity to say "Meitaki ma’ata, Meitaki atupaka, Meitaki ranuinui, Meitaki nui, Meitaki ngao, Meitaki korereka, Meitaki poria and Thank you" to those who made a lasting impression. Also, your nomination helps promote their business and boost their brand in the tourism industry.

After nominations close, Cook Islands Tourism will review and compile a list of final nominees for voting. Details on the voting process will be released subsequently.

We encourage everyone to participate in recognising and celebrating the exceptional contributions of our tourism industry and broader community!