Fostering Innovation: Small Business Training for Mauke with BTIB & RMD

By
Cook Islands Tourism Corporation

Cook Islands Tourism (CIT) collaborated with the Business Trade Investment Board (BTIB) and the Revenue Management Division (RMD) of the Ministry of Finance & Economic Management to support BTIB’s training programme for small businesses across Rarotonga and the Pa Enua. This training, the third installment of the programme, aimed to equip small businesses with essential skills for effective operations. The BTIB team provided valuable insights on writing business plans and bookkeeping, while the RMD offered guidance on filing taxes and key taxation information tailored for the Pa Enua.

Meanwhile, the CIT team focused on digital marketing strategies to help businesses enhance their online presence through social media, emphasising the growing demand for regenerative travel experiences. Participants explored how local businesses can engage with CIT’s Regenerative Tourism Incubator Programme and the principles of Destination Stewardship. The CIT team included Industry Development Manager Tina Kae, Industry Development Coordinator Jean Nootai, and Regenerative Tourism Manager Jeremy Goodwin.

“Our goal is to equip businesses with the right tools not just to operate efficiently, but to thrive in a sustainable tourism environment,” said Jean Nootai, Industry Development Coordinator at CIT. “By leveraging digital marketing strategies, local businesses can enhance their visibility and tap into the increasing demand for regenerative travel experiences.”

The overall collaborative effort ensured that participants gained a well-rounded understanding of both the operational and promotional aspects of running a successful business. The training took place from 10 to 13 September 2024. Following the training, positive feedback from local businesses and government representatives reinforced the value of this collaboration.

CIT also met with Te Koutu Turoto, the Te Ieie o te Orau committee, and the Mauke Island Government to explore ways to further develop tourism on Mauke. The discussion focused on enhancing visitor experiences while preserving the island’s natural resources and way of life.

Key recommendations discussed included a Homestay Programme, the cleaning and upkeep of historical sites, and the installation of storyboards at cultural and historical points of interest. A tour guide booklet tailored to Mauke was also prioritised to improve visitor engagement and education.

The new Mauke Island Government has shown strong support for these projects, underlining their commitment to sustainable tourism. However, the success of these initiatives will depend on securing the necessary funding. While full financial backing may take time, the plan is to focus on short-term projects that can be rolled out quickly alongside longer-term goals.

One of the first projects expected to move forward is the installation of storyboards at key cultural and historical sites around Mauke. The goal is to complete this by the end of 2024, pending the finalisation of content, approval from landowners, and securing funding through the Mana Tiaki Programme.

Next steps will involve working closely with the Te Ieie o te Orau committee to finalise project details and approvals. These partnerships will be crucial for making these initiatives a reality, with the storyboards marking an important milestone in Mauke’s journey towards sustainable tourism and cultural preservation.

For more information regarding:

BTIB Business Training Programme, please contact:
Teroro Totini
Email: [email protected]

Regenerative Tourism, please contact:
Jeremy Goodwin
Regenerative Tourism Manager
Email: [email protected]

Industry Development, please contact:
Tina Kae
Industry Development Manager
Email: [email protected]