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

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

Kia Orana Values - Kia Orana

Meitaki
As a host, here everything is good and well.

Kia Orana Values - Meitaki

Mana Tiaki
We are proud guardians of these islands.

Kia Orana Values - Mana Tiaki

Brand
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.

People
Welcoming (Kia orana) spirit
Stewards
Approachable
Caring
Proud
No hard sell
Product
"Enough to do"
Not commercialised
Good hosts
Immersive
Not for everyone
Whole island resort
Place
Undiscovered
Ease
Simplicity
Beauty
Safe
Guardianship (Mana Tiaki)

Tone of Voice

The echo of who we are and how we communicate as a people, product and place.

Inclusive
Open-armed (Come as you are)
Embracing
Engaging
No cynicism
Diverse
Authentic
Warm and friendly
Genuine
Real
Respectful
Informal
Playful
Young at heart
Fun, even cheeky
Vibrant
Charming
Free spirited

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.

Our Logo and Tagline - Vertical Our Logo and Tagline - Horizontal

Brand
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 - Vertical - Plain.svg Hero Logo - Horizontal - Plain.svg Hero Logo - Vertical - Tagline.svg Hero Logo - Horizontal - Tagline.svg Hero Logo - Vertical - Tagline - Domain.svg Hero Logo - Horizontal - Tagline - Domain.svg Hero Logo - Vertical - Domain.svg Hero Logo - Horizontal - Domain.svg

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 Clear Space - K
 
Hero Logo Clear Space - Vertical Hero Logo Clear Space - Horizontal Hero Logo Clear Space - Vertical - Tagline Hero Logo Clear Space - Horizontal - Tagline Hero Logo Clear Space - Vertical - Tagline - Domain Hero Logo Clear Space - Horizontal - Tagline - Domain

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.

Hero Logo Minimum Sizes - Vertical Hero Logo Minimum Sizes - Vertical - Tagline Hero Logo Minimum Sizes - Vertical - Tagline - Domain Hero Logo Minimum Sizes - Horizontal Hero Logo Minimum Sizes - Horizontal - Tagline Hero Logo Minimum Sizes - Horizontal - Tagline - Domain

Logo Variant – Rarotonga & Aitutaki

Island specific logos such as Rarotonga & Aitutaki should be applied when the market has high awareness of the destination.

Logo Variant - Rarotonga and Aitutaki - Rarotonga Logo Logo Variant - Rarotonga and Aitutaki - Aitutaki Logo

Clear Space

Logo Variant - Rarotonga and Aitutaki - A - Space
Logo Variant - Rarotonga and Aitutaki - Rarotonga - Space Logo Variant - Rarotonga and Aitutaki - Aitutaki - Space

Print + Digital Minimum

Logo Variant - Rarotonga and Aitutaki - Rarotonga - Minimum Size Logo Variant - Rarotonga and Aitutaki - Aitutaki - Minimum Size

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.

Logo Variant - Love our little paradise - Logo - Domain Logo Variant - Love our little paradise - Logo

Clear Space

Logo Variant - Love our little paradise - D - Space
Logo Variant - Love our little paradise - Logo - Space

Print + Digital Minimum

Logo Variant - Love our little paradise - Logo - Minimum Space

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.

Hero Logo - Correct Usage - Pink on White Hero Logo - Correct Usage - White on Pink Hero Logo - Correct Usage - Rarotonga Hero Logo - Correct Usage - White on Ocean Hero Logo - Correct Usage - Black on Sand Hero Logo - Correct Usage - Aitutaki

The logo can be used over photography, video, and texture, but it must be legible.

Hero Logo - Correct Usage - photo-tl Hero Logo - Correct Usage - photo-tm Hero Logo - Correct Usage - photo-tr Hero Logo - Correct Usage - photo-bl Hero Logo - Correct Usage - photo-bm Hero Logo - Correct Usage - photo-br

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.

Hero Logo - Incorrect Usage - r1-l Hero Logo - Incorrect Usage - r1-m Hero Logo - Incorrect Usage - r1-r

Do not rearrange, or restructure the logo.

Hero Logo - Incorrect Usage - r2-l Hero Logo - Incorrect Usage - r2-m Hero Logo - Incorrect Usage - r2-r

Do not distort the logo or use extreme drop shadows.

Hero Logo - Incorrect Usage - r3-l Hero Logo - Incorrect Usage - r3-m Hero Logo - Incorrect Usage - r3-r

Do not distort the logo or use extreme drop shadows.

Hero Logo - Incorrect Usage - r4-l Hero Logo - Incorrect Usage - r4-m Hero Logo - Incorrect Usage - r4-r

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

Hero Logo Variant - Colours - Logo Vertical Pink Hero Logo Variant - Colours - Logo Horizontal Pink

White

Hero Logo Variant - Colours - Logo Vertical Pink Inverted Hero Logo Variant - Colours - Logo Horizontal Pink Inverted

Black

Hero Logo Variant - Colours - Logo Vertical Black Hero Logo Variant - Colours - Logo Horizontal 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.

Hero Logo Variant - Brand Colour Combinations - preferred-1 Hero Logo Variant - Brand Colour Combinations - preferred-2

Full Colour

Hero Logo Variant - Brand Colour Combinations - fc-wht-bkd Hero Logo Variant - Brand Colour Combinations - fc-blue-bkd

Cook Islands Pink

Hero Logo Variant - Brand Colour Combinations - pink-blue-bkd Hero Logo Variant - Brand Colour Combinations - pink-sand-1-bkd Hero Logo Variant - Brand Colour Combinations - pink-sand-2-bkd Hero Logo Variant - Brand Colour Combinations - pink-sand-3-bkd Hero Logo Variant - Brand Colour Combinations - pink-wht-bkd

White

Hero Logo Variant - Brand Colour Combinations - wht-pink-bkd Hero Logo Variant - Brand Colour Combinations - wht-dark-blue-bkd Hero Logo Variant - Brand Colour Combinations - wht-med-blue-bkd Hero Logo Variant - Brand Colour Combinations - wht-light-blue-bkd

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.

Hero Logo Variant - Brand Colour Combinations - Horizontal - wht-pink Hero Logo Variant - Brand Colour Combinations - Horizontal - fc-wht

Full Colour

Hero Logo Variant - Brand Colour Combinations - Horizontal - preferred-wht-bkgd Hero Logo Variant - Brand Colour Combinations - Horizontal - fc-blue

Cook Islands Pink

Hero Logo Variant - Brand Colour Combinations - Horizontal - pink-blue Hero Logo Variant - Brand Colour Combinations - Horizontal - pink-sand-1 Hero Logo Variant - Brand Colour Combinations - Horizontal - pink-snd-2 Hero Logo Variant - Brand Colour Combinations - Horizontal - pink-sand-3 Hero Logo Variant - Brand Colour Combinations - Horizontal - pink-wht

White

Hero Logo Variant - Brand Colour Combinations - Horizontal - preferred-pink-bkgd Hero Logo Variant - Brand Colour Combinations - Horizontal - wht-blue-1 Hero Logo Variant - Brand Colour Combinations - Horizontal - wht-blue-2 Hero Logo Variant - Brand Colour Combinations - Horizontal - wht-blue-3

Logo Variant – Pa Enua

Pa Enua (outer islands) co-branded logos are to be used when promoting specific islands.

Logo Variant - Pa Enua - Atiu Logo Variant - Pa Enua - Mangaia Logo Variant - Pa Enua - Manihiki Logo Variant - Pa Enua - Manuae Logo Variant - Pa Enua - Mauke Logo Variant - Pa Enua - Mitiaro Logo Variant - Pa Enua - Nassau Logo Variant - Pa Enua - Palmerston Logo Variant - Pa Enua - Pukapuka Logo Variant - Pa Enua - Rakahanga Logo Variant - Pa Enua - Suwarrow Logo Variant - Pa Enua - Takutea Logo Variant - Pa Enua - Tongareva

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.

Aa
Aa
Aa
Primary: Playfair Display
Secondary: Brandon Grotesque
Tertiary: CIT Ernest and Emily Slanted

Playfair Display is for headlines.

It is a free Google font. While there are many weights in the typeface, we only use the weights indicated.

Playfair Display
abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ
1234567890!@#$%^&*()

Approved weights: 400 Regular & Italic, 500 Medium & Medium Italic, 700 Bold & Bold Italic, and 900 Black & Black Italic.

Brandon Grotesque is for subheads and body copy to compliment Playfair Display.

We only use the weights indicated.

Brandon Grotesque
abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ
1234567890!@#$%^&*()

Approved weights: Light, Regular, Medium, and Bold.

CIT Ernest & Emily Slanted is only to be used on one to two words in a headline to accentuate their significance or impact.

CIT Ernest & Emily Slanted
abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
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.

Photography - primary-1 Photography - primary-2 Photography - primary-3 Photography - primary-4

Secondary - Product | Greens, island activities, and landscape.

Photography - secondary-1 Photography - secondary-2 Photography - secondary-3 Photography - secondary-4

Tertiary - People | Multi-colors, local people, and culture.

Photography - tertiary-1 Photography - tertiary-2 Photography - tertiary-3 Photography - tertiary-4

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.

Photography - Incorrect Usage - Cover Majority

Do not apply effects that diminish the image.

Photography - Incorrect Usage - Diminish

Do not adjust hues, saturation, etc. of images.

Photography - Incorrect Usage - Hue Saturation

Do not make images so dark they are unrecognisable.

Photography - Incorrect Usage - Dark Unrecognizable

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.

Icons and Graphics - sun-lrg-1 Icons and Graphics - sun-lrg-2 Icons and Graphics - sun-lrg-3 Icons and Graphics - 15-triangles Icons and Graphics - 2-triangles
Icons and Graphics - coconut-drink Icons and Graphics - tree Icons and Graphics - turtle Icons and Graphics - starfish Icons and Graphics - monstera Icons and Graphics - fish Icons and Graphics - female-dancer Icons and Graphics - conch-shell
Icons and Graphics - seashell Icons and Graphics - sun-sm-2 Icons and Graphics - coin Icons and Graphics - community Icons and Graphics - conservation Icons and Graphics - community-1 Icons and Graphics - rugby
Icons and Graphics - circle-coconut-drink Icons and Graphics - circle-tree Icons and Graphics - circle-turtle Icons and Graphics - circle-starfish Icons and Graphics - circle-monstera Icons and Graphics - circle-fish Icons and Graphics - circle-female-dancer Icons and Graphics - circle-conch-shell
Icons and Graphics - circle-seashell Icons and Graphics - circle-sun-1 Icons and Graphics - circle-coin Icons and Graphics - circle-community Icons and Graphics - circle-conservation Icons and Graphics - circle-culture Icons and Graphics - circle-rugby

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

Patterns - Hibiscus - Black
Patterns - Hibiscus - Black 025
Patterns - Hibiscus - White 50
Patterns - Hibiscus - White 05

Breadfruit Pattern

Patterns - Breadfruit - Black
Patterns - Breadfruit - Black 025
Patterns - Breadfruit - White 50
Patterns - Breadfruit - White 05

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.

Border Patterns - manutai

Tikitiki Tangata | Tikitiki Tangata (people of the land) Maurima, represents people holding hands and coming together.

Border Patterns - tikitiki-tangata

Pate | Pate (drums) represents celebration and family and Meitaki by celebrating and connecting with the people that come to our island.

Border Patterns - pate

Rangaranga | Rangaranga (weaving) represents to bind things together and unity.

Border Patterns - rangaranga-1

Auri Pātia | Auri Pātia (fishing spearheads) represents our fishermen and taking care of our ocean.

Border Patterns - rangaranga

Nga Mata Ariki | Nga Mata Ariki (Eyes of the ancestors) represents our tupuna watching over us.

Border Patterns - nga-mata-ariki

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.

360 Virtual Tour

Brand
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.

  1. 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
  2. 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.
  3. Feedback
    If required, feedback is provided with necessary revisions requested directly.
  4. 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.

Brochure Examples - ait-1 Brochure Examples - ait-2 Brochure Examples - ait-3 Brochure Examples - ait-4
Brochure Examples - raro-1 Brochure Examples - raro-2 Brochure Examples - raro-3 Brochure Examples - raro-4 Brochure Examples - raro-5 Brochure Examples - raro-6

Exhibit Banners

Exhibit Banners - banner-l Exhibit Banners - banner-r Exhibit Banners - banner-m

Print Adverts

Exhibit Banners - advert-l Exhibit Banners - advert-m Exhibit Banners - advert-r

EDM Examples

Exhibit Banners - edm-l Exhibit Banners - edm-m Exhibit Banners - edm-r

Social Media Examples

Facebook Carousels

Social Media  - fb-carousels

Facebook Static Posts

Social Media  - fb-static

Instagram Reels

Social Media  - insta-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.

Video Content - tl Video Content - tr Video Content - bl Video Content - br

Resources

Downloadable Assets

Brand Guidelines Cover

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