Fresh from the Go! Careers Expo 2024, Cook Islands Tourism Leadership Programme (CITLP) recipients Kubethreana Taripo and Rakiki Brown joined #TeamTourism for a two-week placement at the Cook Islands Tourism Corporation (CIT) head office.

During their time with #TeamTourism, Kubethreana and Rakiki gained valuable experience in two of CIT's divisions: Destination Development (DD) and Destination Marketing (DM).

In Destination Marketing, they put their skills to the test by planning a full itinerary for an influencer based on specific profiles and spent a day with the DM digital team capturing content around our beautiful island. "Working with the DM team was an incredible experience," said Rakiki. "I loved being able to contribute creatively and see the direct impact of our efforts in promoting our little paradise."

In Destination Development, they supported the Visitors Centre, assisted with capturing key visitor data, and participated in a familiarisation program. This included joining DD coordinators on land and marine tours and site visits to better understand Rarotonga’s offerings. They also learned about various ongoing projects, including the establishment of the Cook Islands Tourism Internship Programme. Based on their experiences, they provided valuable insights to help design this programme, ensuring it meets its goals effectively. "The hands-on experience in DD was invaluable," Kubethreana shared. "It gave me a deeper understanding of our tourism initiatives and the importance of developing the industry. I would definitely recommend anyone with an interest in tourism to apply for an internship here."

Starting Monday, July 1, Kubethreana and Rakiki will join the international award-winning Pacific Resort Hotel Group for a tailored six-month management pathways programme. During this time, they will gain hands-on experience in various hotel departments, deepening their understanding of different roles and responsibilities in the hospitality industry. This opportunity will allow them to apply their theoretical knowledge and skills in real-world situations while learning from experienced professionals.

All the staff at Cook Islands Tourism wish Kubethreana and Rakiki the best of luck in their placement with Pacific Resort Hotel Group.

For more information about the Cook Islands Tourism Internship Programme, contact Jean Nootai, Industry Development Coordinator, at [email protected].