CEO of Cook Islands Tourism (CIT), Karla Eggelton, is ‘cautiously optimistic’ after the latest international visitor arrival figures released this week show overall numbers continuing to climb.

A total of 15,452 visitors were welcomed to the Cook Islands during the month of August, a 17.5% increase on 2022 figures and 16.3% decrease on the (pre-Covid) peak of 18,464 in 2019. The contribution of the recently added Australian visitor market was of particular note, with 2,208 Australian visitors representing 14.3% of total visitors during August. “The Australian visitor market continues to impress”, says Karla. “Not only are the numbers coming in better than originally forecast, but we’re hearing anecdotally from our industry that they are great guests, with our Aussie friends excited to explore our beautiful islands and culture, and tending to spend a little more on average”.

The Australian result comes at a perfect time for CIT, as they work to decrease the reliance on the traditional egg-basket of New Zealand through their market diversification strategy. “We continue to work closely with our airline partners to develop new and emerging markets as well as recover the still extremely important New Zealand market”, says Karla. This seems to be working, with the Australian contingent joined by Europe/UK (968), U.S.A. (410) and Asia (178) in creeping closer to pre-covid levels.

For media inquiries and further information, please contact: Karla Eggelton, Chief Executive Officer, Cook Islands Tourism Corporation