Cook Islands Tourism's Southern European Mini Expo roadshow  kicked off on Jan 16th  in a very rainy Bilbao with 25 key agents to then go onto packed houses in Barcellona (60 retail and wholesale agent staff)  and Madrid (70 trade entrepreneurs present)

Presentations aimed to inspire and educate agents using the new Love a Little Paradise brand values. Agents were also presented with the newly printed Spanish version of the South Pacific Publishing Cook Islands Cooks Book and were thrilled to learn about Turama’s Spanish speaking service now available in the Cooks. The highlight though for all events has been the spectacular performances of the Te Moana Roa dance group. The now famous 5 (Leo Roa, Robert Puapii, Salis Tuaputa, Miss Cook Islands Felicia George and Teiva Maui) have braved very chilly weather (often sub zero temperatures! ) and jet lag to thrill audiences everywhere and bring a taste of authentic Cooks culture to everyone.

Partners Air New Zealand offered their support in co-sponsoring the events. Eva Bretos Air New Zealand’s Spain Manager said “  thank you all so much for making all these events possible, we feel very lucky!! "

Ms Africa Llamas from Elefant Travel in Barcelona commented “ we discovered all there is to know about Air New Zealand and the Cook Islands … and I’m a total fan ! We have a crazy desire to try the new destination and its people and were delighted to work with such a great professional and unified team, its rare to see !" 

In total 150 agents were engaged in Spain together with 30 journalists who were entertained to a dancers performance during a media event at the FITUR Travel show in Madrid. Local jewelers , designers and gem experts were also called to view  special Black Pearls as co-partners  Cook Islands Pearl Authority sent a wonderful display to support and choreograph the roadshow to great effect. 

The roadshow team was also proud to welcome Atiu based legendary artist Andrea Eimke to appear at the Barcellona event where she now resides.

CIT Southern Europe Manager Nick Costantini said, it has been wonderful seeing such great teamwork from Cook Island stakeholders gaining such great visibility and collecting highly positive feedback from all invited guests and media.

The roadshow has moved on to Italy after the dancers were showcased in Germany at the Stuttgart and Zurich Travel Shows during the week-end breaks.