Te Marama o te Manava Tūroto Tourism Month 2026
Kia Orana!
Throughout September, we are celebrating the people who make our tourism industry what it is
The people who welcome our visitors, share our stories, care for our culture and environment, and help shape the future of tourism in the Cook Islands.
For the first time, three of our community initiatives come together under Tourism Month: Te Iki'anga a te Iti Tangata (People's Choice Awards), Vaine Manava Tūroto o te Marama (Tourism Woman of the Month) and Te Arata'a o te Pae Tūroto (Youth Tourism Pathway Programme).
Join us from 1-30 September as we recognise outstanding service, invest in emerging talent and honour the women whose contributions have helped build our industry.
One month. Three ways to celebrate our people
Tourism is about more than the places people visit. It is shaped by the people who create meaningful experiences, pass on knowledge, protect what makes our islands special and open new pathways for those who will carry the industry forward.
Explore the three Tourism Month initiatives below and find out how you can take part.
Te Iki'anga a te Iti Tangata People's Choice Awards
Who makes Cook Islands tourism special to you?
The People's Choice Awards give our community and visitors the opportunity to recognise the individuals and businesses that create memorable, authentic Cook Islands experiences.
Now in it's fourth year, the awards return with five Kia Orana Champions categories including the NEW Tangata Akatupu i te kite o'u Innovation Icon, celebrating fresh ideas and new ways of creating value while keeping our culture and identity at the centre.
Nominations: 1 Sept from 12pm - 8 Sept, 12pm
Public voting: 15 Sept, 12pm - 22 Sept, 12pm through reactions on the official Cook Islands Facebook page
Winners celebrated: 25 September 2026
Vaine Manava Tūroto o te Marama Tourism Woman of the Month
Honouring the women whose work has helped shape tourism
Created in collaboration with Te Kumiti Au Vaine, Tourism Woman of the Month recognises the leadership, service and cultural contribution of women across our industry.
The 2026 theme, 'Unsung Heroines', shines a light on a woman whose contribution may happen quietly or behind the scenes. Someone who has given her time, care and energy to visitors, colleagues and the wider industry without seeking recognition.
Recipient announced: 23 September 2026
Celebration: 30 September at The Islander Hotel, Rarotonga
Te Arata'a o Te Pae Tūroto The pathway to tourism
Helping Young Cook Islanders take their first steps into a future in tourism
Our youth tourism pathway programme helps young Cook Islanders discover the opportunities available within tourism through school engagement, scholarships, further education and industry experience.
In 2026, we awarded a Tourism Scholarship to recipients Ellenoah Oti and Abel Papai. They are studying towards a Certificate in Arts at Auckland University of Technology. Their support includes return airfares, tuition, accommodation and a six-month paid internship, in partnership with Air New Zealand and Pacific Resort Hotel Group.
Meet our 2026 recipients and find out more about our pathway programme.
World Tourism Day 2026
Tourism Month also includes World Tourism Day on 27 September. This year's global theme explores how digital tools and artificial intelligence can help redesign tourism.
In the Cook Islands, that future begins with our people. Through the new Innovation Icon category, the Youth Tourism Pathway and the Digital Tourism Capability Programme, we are supporting our people and tourism operators to build skills, embrace useful new tools and create new opportunities — while keeping Cook Islands culture, knowledge and values at the centre.
Key Dates
Tourism Month at a glance
Our people are at the heart of what we do
Tourism Month reflects our commitment through Te Kaveinga Mana Tiaki o te Ipukarea — the Destination Stewardship Plan — to ensure tourism benefits our Cook Islands people, culture and environment.
Follow Tourism Month throughout September and help us celebrate the people who welcome, inspire, protect and strengthen our little paradise.
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