The Cook Islands Tourism Marketing Corporation (“the Corporation”) is a statutory corporation established by an Act of Parliament called the Cook Islands Tourism Marketing Act 1998 (“the Act”). The Act was amended in 2007 by the Cook Islands Tourism Marketing Corporation Act 2007. This amendment changed the manner of appointment of the Board and the functions of the Corporation.

The Corporation is headed by the Minister of the crown appointed by the Prime Minister under the Cook Islands Constitution, to be responsible for the Corporation. Cabinet, or the Minister, set the policy of the Board but do not involve themselves in the day to day running of the Corporation. The Board is appointed by the Minister and it is the function of the Board to see to it that any policies conveyed to it by the Minister are provided for in the annual and other budgets and corporate plans of the Corporation, and adhered to by management. The Board appoints a CEO to carry out the policies, implement the budgets and the business plans. The CEO is accountable for the successful implementation of these to the Board. The Board, through the chairman is accountable to the Minister. The Minister in turn, is accountable to Cabinet and ultimately, to Parliament and the people of the Cook Islands.

Cabinet is the apex of the executive branch of government. Cabinet acts as the final decision-maker on all-important matters of policy; approves the content of all regulations (which are laws made under the authority of statutes); decides the nature of the legislation to be submitted to Parliament; makes decisions on government spending; and makes many of the major decisions (and not a few of the minors) on administrative matters. The Minister however is the Corporation’s point of contact with the executive branch of Government.

COOK ISLANDS TOURISM MARKETING CORPORATION VISION

The Cook Islands Tourism Marketing Corporation is mandated under the Cook Islands Tourism Marketing Corporation Act 1998 & Amendment 2007. The primary objective of the Cook Islands Tourism Corporation is to encourage and promote the development of tourism in the Cook Islands in such a manner which is economically viable, socially acceptable and environmentally sustainable.

The vision for Cook Islands Tourism is: “Tourism advances the well-being of resident Cook Islanders” which is in line with the 2016-2020 National Sustainable Development Plan, Goal 2 which states to, “Expand economic opportunities, improve economic resilience and productive employment to ensure decent work for all.”