Tauranga Vananga and Cook Islands Tourism conducted their first cultural tour guide workshop this week as a result of their joint commitments outlined in their 5 year Memorandum of Understanding. Head of Ministry, Anthony Turua during his opening address said, “This workshop will help to enhance the cultural knowledge of our Tour Guide operators and strengthen these services in Rarotonga. – “Kia matutu te au karere, ete au tua, no runga i te au tuanga peu tupuna, peu maori, te ka oronga iatu ki te au Turuto me tae mai ki runga i to tatou paepae.”

“The two objectives of the workshop was to enhance knowledge on Marae protocols and increase knowledge on cultural areas of significance in the Takitumu region,” said Destination Development Coordinator, Sieni Tiraa of Cook Islands Tourism. “Guest speaker and cultural expert, Mauri Toa presented on the two focus areas, which was well received from over fifty tour guides representing the various tour
businesses on Rarotonga,” Tiraa added.

The workshop consisted of a group activity, presentations and a site visit to Avana to show some of the landmarks in the village of Ngatangiia. One of the participants stated on their evaluation form that, “this type of cultural workshop needs to be held on a regular so that tour guides can assess whether they are delivering the right information to their clients and adhering to our cultural values and protocols.”

Tauranga Vananga and Cook Islands Tourism will continue this partnership to strengthen the tourism offering by expanding and replicating this type of workshop in the areas of Puaikura and Te Au O Tonga in the coming months.