Cook Islands Tourism
Brand Guidelines
Introduction
Kia Orana and Welcome
This comprehensive Brand guideline is designed to provide a clear framework for understanding and implementing our brand identity across all mediums. This guide has been developed in collaboration with our Brand Strategy.
From our brand positioning, pillars and tone of voice, each element has been carefully crafted to reflect our values, and personality.
Whether you’re a designer, marketer, or team member, the brand toolkit will serve as your roadmap for maintaining brand consistency and integrity.
By adhering to these principles, you ensure that every interaction with our brand resonates with authenticity, professionalism, and excellence. Please note these guidelines are a living document and will be updated periodically. Always ensure you are referencing the current version if using the PDF format.
Te Mato Manava Turoto
Cook Islands Tourism Corporation
Brand
Foundation
Foundation
Kia Orana Values
The Kia Orana Values are the foundation that aligns our tourism industry with the core values of the Cook Islands people and its residents.
Our values are based on our culture and traditions while reflecting our unique and modern way of life. It informs our collective approach to tourism and guides our aspirations for its continued development.
Our Core Values – Te Tango
Kia Orana
May we live long and fulfilling lives. The Spirit and wish of the people
Meitaki
As a host, here everything is good and well.
Mana Tiaki
We are proud guardians of these islands.
Brand
Positioning
Positioning
Our Little Paradise
“Our” represents a shared connection between Cook Islands residents and visitors.
“Little” serves as a guide, aligning expectations with the reality of our offer, and drives our unique benefits: intimate, simple, casual.
“Paradise” immediately informs those with no or little awareness of the nature of our destination.
Is | Isn't |
---|---|
Little | Small |
Intimate | Isolated |
Simple | Simplistic |
Casual | Sleepy |
Abundant with possibility | Boring |
Connected | Lonely |
World-wise and well-travelled | Backwards |
Open-armed and hearted (Kia Orana) | Narrow-minded and judgmental |
Generous hosts (Meitaki) | Cynical |
Caring with guardianship (Mana) | Selfish |
Brand Pillars
Our brand pillars are key as it is our truth, identity, and what differentiates us.
People, at the core of why we do what we do. Product, ensuring authentic memorable experiences are had.
Place, the environment in which we operate.
Tone of Voice
The echo of who we are and how we communicate as a people, product and place.
Our Logo and Tagline
Our logo is intentionally the name of our country, aimed at raising the profile and awareness of the destination.
Our tagline is both an invitation to enjoy and commit to the shared responsibility of being a steward of our little paradise.
Brand
Toolkit
Toolkit
Hero Logo
Following the guidelines for consistent use of our logos will help reinforce the Cook Islands Tourism image and strengthen the brand.
The “Love our little paradise” lockup versions should be used where possible, but not at sizes or applications where it is not easily read or becomes distorted.
There are two orientations of the logo: stacked and horizontal.
The “Love our little paradise” section of the logo is not to be used independently from “COOK ISLANDS.”
The stacked version is not to be used in New Zealand, Australia, and North America.
Hero Logo Clear Space
As shown here, the clear space surrounding the logo cannot be less than the half the height of the K. To ensure the logo’s clear visibility and easy identification at all times, it is crucial to maintain this distance around it.
In digital banners where space is limited, the clear space can be reduced to half of X if needed.
The distance between the logo and “Love our little paradise” has been carefully placed. It is not to be repositioned, resized, or used separately from the COOK ISLANDS section of the logo.
Hero Logo Minimum Sizes
Logo minimum sizes are a critical aspect of our brand guidelines, ensuring that our logo maintains its clarity and impact across different applications.
“Love our little paradise” should not be used when it does not appear easy to read or becomes distorted.
By adhering to these specifications, we guarantee the logo remains legible and recognizable, whether it’s displayed on digital platforms, printed materials, or merchandise.
Logo Variant – Rarotonga & Aitutaki
Island specific logos such as Rarotonga & Aitutaki should be applied when the market has high awareness of the destination.
Clear Space
Print + Digital Minimum
Logo Variant – Love our little paradise
The “Love our little paradise” logo variant is intended for domestic use in the Cook Islands. Emphasizing “Love” in the tagline highlights how love in action is put into practice within the Cook Islands.
This then ensures that the original “Love our little paradise” tagline is always used alongside the hero logo “COOK ISLANDS,” preserving brand integrity.
Clear Space
Print + Digital Minimum
Hero Logo - Correct Usage
It is important to showcase the logo using approved colors. When incorporating photographs and illustrations in advertisements and various media, ensure the logo is presented in a clear and prominent manner. Exercise your best judgment to guarantee ample contrast, optimizing legibility.
The logo can be used in pink, black, and white as well as appear over approved brand colors. See section 4.13 for all approved brand colors.
The logo can be used over photography, video, and texture, but it must be legible.
Hero Logo - Incorrect Usage
Avoid using the logo as shown below.
The logo cannot be used in unapproved colours and must always be legible to maintain visual separation from backgrounds.
Do not rearrange, or restructure the logo.
Do not distort the logo or use extreme drop shadows.
Do not distort the logo or use extreme drop shadows.
Hero Logo Variant – Colours
In addition to full colour, the logo can also be used in the following single colour variations. Please refer to the colour palette section 4.13 for correct colour values.
Pink
White
Black
Hero Logo Variant – Brand Colour Combinations
The preferred colour combination usage when possible are a full color logo on a pink or white background.
Full Colour
Cook Islands Pink
White
Hero Logo Variant – Brand Colour Combinations
Below are approved colour combinations in which the Cook Islands Tourism logo can appear over our brand colours. Please refer to the colour palette section 4.13 for correct colour values.
The preferred colour combination usage when possible are a full color logo on a pink or white background.
Full Colour
Cook Islands Pink
White
Logo Variant – Pa Enua
Pa Enua (outer islands) co-branded logos are to be used when promoting specific islands.
Colour Palette
Consistent use of our brand colours is essential to building the Cook Islands Tourism brand worldwide.
Primary Colours
Cook Islands Pink
CMYK
10 100 0 0
RGB
216 11 140
HEX
#d80b8c
White
CMYK
10 100 0 0
RGB
216 11 140
HEX
#d80b8c
Secondary Colours
Deep Water
CMYK
10 41 12 68
RGB
0 52 82
HEX
#003352
Ocean
CMYK
99 71 35 19
RGB
0 75 111
HEX
#004b6f
lagoon
CMYK
78 9 2 6
RGB
0 176 225
HEX
#00a2d3
Tertiary Colours
Sand Dark
CMYK
15 13 20 0
RGB
216 211 198
HEX
#d7d2c6
Sand Medium
CMYK
8 7 10 0
RGB
233 229 223
HEX
#e9e5df
Sand Light
CMYK
2 2 4 0
RGB
247 245 241
HEX
#f7f5f1
Typography
The Cook Islands Tourism brand uses three typefaces across all our communications.
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ
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Approved weights: 400 Regular & Italic, 500 Medium & Medium Italic, 700 Bold & Bold Italic, and 900 Black & Black Italic.
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ
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Approved weights: Light, Regular, Medium, and Bold.
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ
1234567890!@#$%^&*()
Photography
Choices around photography help us promote the Cook Islands as a little, authentic paradise with divers activities, experiences, and rich culture. As a general rule, when possible, show people in photos to help travellers envision themselves in the scene.
When using imagery from the Cook Islands Tourism library, ensure to credit the appropriate source. Example: © John Smith
Primary - Place | Blue lagoon and sky, white sandy beaches, palm trees, and tropical paradise.
Secondary - Product | Greens, island activities, and landscape.
Tertiary - People | Multi-colors, local people, and culture.
Photography - Incorrect Usage
To maintain the integrity and consistency of our brand imagery, it is imperative that effects or colour adjustments are not applied to approved brand photography. These images have been carefully crafted to reflect our brand identity accurately. Please refrain from altering them in any way to ensure a cohesive and recognizable brand presence across all platforms and materials.
Do not cover a majority of the image.
Do not apply effects that diminish the image.
Do not adjust hues, saturation, etc. of images.
Do not make images so dark they are unrecognisable.
Icons & Graphics
A series of icons and other graphics have been prepared to use in marketing materials. Although shown in the Cook Islands pink brand colour, graphics can be used in other brand colours.
When using the sun or multi-triangle graphics, 15 triangles must be used to represent the number of islands in the Cook Islands.
See the Resources Section 6.0 for information on how to download all files.
Vai Akari
(Coconut Drink)
Tumunu
(Coconut Tree)
Onu
(Turtle)
Etu Moana
(Starfish)
Rau Kape
(Monstera Leaf)
Ika
(Fish)
Female Dancer
(Vaine Ura)
Tangi O Te Pu
(Conch Shell)
Anga
(Seashell)
Ra
(Sun)
Tupuranga Tangata
(Commerce)
Turanga Evangelia
(Community)
Akono I Te Ao Rangi
(Conservation)
Peu Maori
(Culture)
Cook Islands Rugby Union
(LIMITED EDITION)
Patterns
Seamless patterns have been carefully designed to imitate Tivaevae designs and work as background elements on top of white or our brand colours.
When using behind text, take care to ensure the colouration is subtle and does not hinder legibility.
Use background patterns at small sizes. Do not enlarge them to the point the pattern is no longer recognizable.
Patterns can be scaled from the source file using “Transform/Scale” option in the “Edit” menu of Abobe Illustrator. When resizing, make sure the “Transform Objects” checkbox is not selected. Elements from each pattern can also be used as separate design accents in layouts.
Pattern source Adobe Illustrator files are available for download on the Cook Islands Tourism Corporate website. See the Resources Section 6.0 for information on how to download all files.
Hibiscus Pattern
Breadfruit Pattern
Border Patterns
Inspired by our Kia Orana Values iconography, border patterns can be used in any brand colour and opacity. Use your best judgment when using at reduced sizes and opacities.
They can also be used as subtle design accents on top of imagery.
Pattern source Adobe Illustrator files are available for download on the Cook Islands Tourism Image Library website.
See the Resources Section 6.0 for information on how to download all files.
Manutai | Manutai which means sea birds represents safe travels like the Manu that fly around our island.
Tikitiki Tangata | Tikitiki Tangata (people of the land) Maurima, represents people holding hands and coming together.
Pate | Pate (drums) represents celebration and family and Meitaki by celebrating and connecting with the people that come to our island.
Rangaranga | Rangaranga (weaving) represents to bind things together and unity.
Auri Pātia | Auri Pātia (fishing spearheads) represents our fishermen and taking care of our ocean.
Nga Mata Ariki | Nga Mata Ariki (Eyes of the ancestors) represents our tupuna watching over us.
360° Virtual Tour
The Cook Islands 360° virtual tour lets prospective visitors explore our little paradise from anywhere as if they were actually there.
There are over 700 scenes to explore. The virtual tour is responsively designed to work on any platform and device.
The interface keeps track of scenes visited to help the user navigate. When viewing accommodations, they can click a button to visit that accommodations page on the Cook Islands Tourism website.
The virtual tour can also be used as a training tool with travel agents to help them learn where specific views and accommodation are located.
The tour can be viewed at: visit.cookislands.travel
A mobile device mockup has been created to use in marketing materials. See the Resources Section 6.0 for information on how to download all files.
Brand
Application
Application
Creative Checklist
Use the provided checklist as a litmus test for all creative produced.
Filter Question | Yes |
---|---|
Does it have “stopping power”? Will it grab attention? |
|
Does the imagery speak to the target audience? |
|
Is it selling the Cook Islands and not merely a “paradise vacation”? |
|
Does it pass the “blink test” as being for the Cook Islands, and not other destinations? |
|
Does it represent the values of “Love Our Little Paradise? |
|
Does it communicate the benefit (or benefits) of “little”? |
|
It is using our distinctive brand assets to build brand equity? |
|
Brand Usage Sign-Off
Maintaining the authenticity and charm of the Cook Islands brand relies on a smooth creative sign-off process. This step ensures that every creative aspect aligns seamlessly with the brand’s values and identity. By embracing this process, we safeguard the brand’s reputation and ensure that its unique essence shines through in all communications.
-
Submission
Submit final drafts to Cook Islands Tourism for review via this Brand Sign-off Form. Note: If multiple creatives need to be submitted, this can all be done through one form submission.
Brand Sign-Off Form -
Review
The brand management team will review the submission for compliance with brand guidelines. Communication from Head Office will be sent via email. Expect a 3-5 working day turn around. -
Feedback
If required, feedback is provided with necessary revisions requested directly. -
Final Approval
If required, feedback is provided with necessary revisions requested directly.
Brochure Examples
Page layouts should feel open and not cluttered just like the Cook Islands themselves.
Utilizing white space and hierarchy of page elements helps pull the reader through the content. Too much content on a page can overwhelm the reader.
Avoid covering photos with large shapes and blocks of text.
Strive for a premium look and feel in all designs whether printed or online.
Exhibit Banners
Print Adverts
EDM Examples
Social Media Examples
Facebook Carousels
Facebook Static Posts
Instagram Reels
Video Content
When applying the logo to video intros or outros, use your best judgement to ensure legibility of the logo and tagline.
If the tagline is not legible when used at the approved logo lock up configuration, it is ok to enlarge the tagline, but it must be displayed with the main logo.
Animated intros and outros are available for download on the Cook Islands Tourism website. See Resources section 6.0 for download information.
Resources
Downloadable Assets
Download the full Cook Islands Tourism Brand Guidelines PDF to ensure proper implementation.
Download Brand Guidelines PDF
Photography + Video
To view and download brand approved brand photography and video, click the button below to be taken to our photo library.
View Brand Photography + Video
Fonts
Playfair Display is available as a free download from Google Fonts.
Download Playfair Display Font
Brandon Grotesque ia available through Adobe Fonts.
Download Brandon Grotesque Font
Use the CIT Ernest & Emily Slanted below to download the CIT version of Ernest & Emily Slanted font.
Download CIT Emily & Ernest Font
Brand Assets
Click the brand assets you require for your project below to download a zip file.
Logos (EPS and PNG formats) Logos (PNG format Only) Icons & Graphics (EPS format) Patterns (EPS format) Page Borders (EPS format) 360° Virtual Tour Promo Graphic (PNG format)