Rarotonga, Cook Islands – Thursday 25th July 2024

The Cook Islands Tourism Corporation (CIT) is proud to announce that members of its Destination Development team have been selected to participate in the Travel Foundation and Expedia Group’s prestigious ‘Climate Action Training for Destinations’ program. This initiative aligns with CIT's ongoing commitment to responsible tourism and sustainability.

The CIT team members—Tina Kae, Industry Development Manager; Jean Nootai, Industry Development Coordinator; and Brad Kirner, Director of Destination Development—will be engaging in this comprehensive training program designed to enhance climate action strategies for tourism destinations.

Expedia Group’s ‘Climate Action Training for Destinations’ aims to equip tourism professionals with the knowledge and tools necessary to tackle climate challenges and implement sustainable practices. The program includes expert-led sessions and collaborative workshops focused on reducing carbon footprints, integrating sustainability into destination management, and fostering community engagement.

Brad Kirner expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity: “Participating in this program is a significant step forward in our commitment to responsible tourism. We’re excited to gain new insights and strategies that will help us enhance our sustainability practices and share these valuable learnings with the broader Cook Islands tourism industry.”

Tina Kae and Jean Nootai echoed this sentiment, emphasising their eagerness to apply the program's teachings to their work. “This training will empower us to drive impactful climate action within our industry and collaborate more effectively with our partners,” said Kae. Nootai added, “We look forward to implementing the knowledge gained and working with our community to promote sustainable tourism practices.”

The CIT team’s participation in this program underscores the Corporation’s dedication to preserving the Cook Islands' natural beauty while fostering a resilient and sustainable tourism industry. By sharing their insights and experiences, the CIT team aims to lead by example and encourage others in the industry to embrace responsible tourism principles.

For further information on the ‘Climate Action Training for Destinations’ program click HERE

For media inquiries, please contact: Brad Kirner, Director of Destination Development at Cook Islands Tourism Corporation [email protected]