Avarua, Rarotonga - 25 July 2024

The Cook Islands Tourism Corporation (CIT) is delighted to announce the appointment of two new members to its Board of Directors: Ani Thompson, Regional General Manager at Pacific Resort Group and Halatoa Fua, the current Director of the National Environment Service and former CEO of CIT. The Prime Minister, and Minister of Tourism, the Hon. Mark Brown, has issued new warrants for all board members, effective for two years.

Ani Thompson and Halatoa Fua join the ranks of the current board, which includes Chairman Ewan Smith, Rohan Ellis, Dianna Clarke-Bates, Onu Hewett, and Apii Porio. This transition follows the departure of former board members Emile Kairua and Serena Hunter, who were recognised by the Prime Minister for their years of service to the Cook Islands Tourism Corporation Board.

The newly configured Board convened on Tuesday at the CIT head office in Avarua, with the Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Honourable Mark Brown, and Assistant Minister of Tourism, Honourable Teokotai Herman, in attendance. The Prime Minister highlighted the appointment of the Assistant Minister to bolster the successful governance model implemented by the Corporation and ensure the advancement and protection of this vital economic sector. Chairman Ewan Smith welcomed the Assistant Minister, noting his experience as a tourism operator. "Assistant Minister Herman will play a crucial role in delivering Government policy directions to the Board. We look forward to working with him over the next two years," Smith commented. The board immediately began its work, setting a proactive agenda for the future of Cook Islands tourism.

CEO Karla Eggelton expressed her enthusiasm about the board's vast experience, stating, "The collective expertise of both our new and incumbent board members ensures that the future of Cook Islands tourism is in very capable hands. We are committed to fostering a successful and sustainable approach to tourism development."

The board has now completed its scheduled special annual meetings, held across Tuesday and Wednesday this week. These meetings were dedicated to reviewing performance scorecards and outlining plans for the upcoming financial year. On Tuesday, CEO Eggelton provided an overview of the tourism landscape and outlined key strategic imperatives for the sector, setting the stage for future considerations. Corporation Director Brad Kirner then presented on the 'Destination Development' division, while Wednesday's meeting focused on the 'Destination Marketing' division, where Director Noeline Mateariki presented results and upcoming plans.

As the Cook Islands Tourism Corporation embarks on this new chapter, the organisation remains dedicated to promoting sustainable tourism practices that benefit both the local community and visitors, ensuring the Cook Islands continues to enjoy the benefits of a thriving and sustainable tourism industry.

For media inquiries, please contact: Karla Eggelton, CEO of Cook Islands Tourism Corporation [email protected]