Cook Islands Tourism’s Visitor Experience Manager, Carlene Mapu, has recently returned from Suva, Fiji, along with her colleagues Stephano Rampling-Tou and Ella Napara from EMCI, and Paul Maoate from ICI, after completing the final in-person workshop of a 7-month Leadership in Disaster Risk Management programme.

This workshop focused on the Pacific Incident Management System (PacIMS) and Disaster Preparedness Management. Carlene’s participation is highly relevant to her role at Cook Islands Tourism, where she is responsible for ensuring visitor safety and security during emergencies.

The knowledge gained from this workshop has equipped her with a comprehensive understanding of incident management systems, roles, and responsibilities specific to the Pacific region. It has also enhanced her skills in risk management, preparedness, and crisis coordination, giving her a stronger grasp on managing emergencies and safeguarding both visitors and local communities.

This training has further provided her an insight and a deeper understanding on how to implement structured, proactive emergency response strategies, improving overall safety and resilience in the face of potential disasters.

The programme is set to officially conclude by late October/early November, following a few remaining online sessions, assignments, and assessments.