Cook Islands Tourism (CIT) has returned from the ninth South Pacific Tourism Exchange (SPTE 2025) with fresh market insights and renewed partner momentum. The regional marketplace, held 9-10 May at Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort, brought together more than 150 exhibitors from 20 Pacific Island nations and 61 international buyers under the theme “Unity in Diversity, Exploring the Pacific’s Hidden Gems.”

Chief Executive Officer Karla Eggelton, General Manager Marketing Daniel Fisher and Trade Manager Sarah-Elyss Ezekiela led the CIT delegation, completing more than fifty one-to-one meetings with wholesalers, OTAs and media. Industry partners from Rarotonga and Aitutaki; Turama Pacific Travel Group, Tamanu Beach Resort, Cook Islands Tours, The Rarotongan Group of Resorts and Island Hotels Ltd, also represented the destination.

Over the two-day programme the team delivered destination and product updates, outlined current air connectivity options, and shared insight into our brand positioning “Love Our Little Paradise.” Buyer feedback revealed rising demand for culture rich, small group itineraries that include genuine community engagement, while spotlighting pressure points such as high season room supply and international, and domestic, flight connections. Addressing these issues now will lay solid groundwork for future business.

“Meeting fifty global buyers face to face at SPTE compressed months of market research into two days,” said Daniel Fisher. “The dialogue sharpened our understanding of traveller demand, booking friction and the practical adjustments we can make, together with our partners, to showcase the Cook Islands with confidence.”

The insights shared in Nadi will guide immediate follow-ups with buyers and industry colleagues, helping convert the interest generated at SPTE into well-matched visitor bookings for the Cook Islands.