Cook Islands – Cook Islands Tourism Corporation (CIT), Air New Zealand, and Pacific Resort Hotel Group (PRHG) have partnered to launch the Cook Islands Tourism Leadership Programme; a unique opportunity for passionate individuals to develop their leadership skills, industry knowledge, and to carve a career pathway for tourism in the Cook Islands.

The programme is designed to nurture the next generation of tourism leaders, providing them with the base skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the industry, and the opportunity to work with a leading tourism operator in the Cook Islands.

“Tourism is the cornerstone and largest economic driver in the Cook Islands, and it is essential that we promote and support clear career pathways for talented individuals to hone their skills and lead the industry into the future,” said Cook Islands Tourism CEO, Karla Eggelton. “The Cook Islands Tourism Leadership Programme will provide participants with modern day foundation tools and resources they need to develop their skills and knowledge, and to become successful leaders in the tourism industry.”

The programme includes 17 week Leadership and Performance course study at Queenstown Resort College (QRC) Tai Tokerau campus. This will cover topics such as communication, motivational leadership, wellbeing and diversity, performance under pressure, and operational management.

Following the course, participants will return to Rarotonga and be placed in a 6 month hands-on tailored management pathways programme with international award winning Pacific Resort Hotel Group. The work placement offers participants the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in various departments of the hotel group, providing them with a deeper understanding of the different roles and responsibilities involved in the hospitality industry. This will also allow participants to apply their theoretical knowledge and skills to real-world situations, while also learning from experienced professionals.

“The Pacific Resort Hotel Group is proud to be a partner in the Cook Islands Tourism Leadership Programme,” said Pacific Resort Hotel Group CEO, Marcus Niszow. “Tourism is essential to the Cook Islands economy, and we believe that investing in the development of our people is the best way to ensure the future success of the industry.”

“We are excited to partner with Cook Islands Tourism Corporation and the Pacific Resort Hotel Group to bring this important programme to the Cook Islands,” said Air New Zealand Country Manager for the Cook Islands, Addrienne Hosking-Tinirau. “Air New Zealand is committed to supporting the sustainable growth of tourism in the Cook Islands, and we believe that this programme will play an important role in developing the next generation of tourism leaders.”

“The Cook Islands Tourism Leadership Programme is a great example of government and private sector collaborating to give opportunities for our people,” said Eggelton. “We are grateful to Air New Zealand and Pacific Resort Hotel Group for their partnership in this important initiative. While this is the first for us, there is scope for expansion and bringing on other businesses who see value in this work”.

The Cook Islands Tourism Leadership Programme is open to Cook Islands residents who are passionate about tourism, want to develop their leadership skills and pursue a career in tourism and hospitality. The programme will commence in early 2024. To apply, submit your CV, a cover letter, and a 2-minute video explaining why you are a good fit for the program can be submitted to [email protected].

Deadline for applications is Monday 13 November, 4pm.

For media inquiries and further information, please contact: Tina Kae, Industry Development Manager, Cook Islands Tourism Corporation [email protected]