Cook Islands Tourism Welcomes New Director of Destination Development

By
COOK ISLANDS TOURISM CORPORATION

BradCook Islands Tourism Corporation is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Brad Kirner as their new Director of Destination Development (DoDD).  

Brad recently assisted the CIT destination development team in formulating the Cook Islands Tourism Development Strategy (CITDS), and brings with him a wealth of experience and skills having worked across a wide variety of areas across the tourism sector.  Brad is looking forward to joining the destination development team officially in February;  “I have thoroughly enjoyed working with the CIT team and really treasure the connection I have so far made with the Cook Islands people and place.  The DoDD role is a fantastic opportunity to continue this journey and to use my background, ideas, and enthusiasm to keep the momentum going and transfer the strategic thinking within CITDS into operational reality”.

Cook Islands Tourism Corporation CEO Karla Eggelton is looking forward to the jumpstart on the new CITDS strategy.  “Brad brings with him expertise in strategy formulation and a competency of translating strategy into effective implementation.  Brad will lead the division and work with a great team of talented Cook Islanders when designing and rolling out work programmes on Rarotonga and the Pa Enua.”    

Brad will be moving over from New Zealand with his wife and two young daughters, and is excited to see how they can contribute positively to the Cook Islands, both professionally and personally “The CITDS is all about ensuring a regenerative approach is taken towards tourism development, meaning that a visitor has the ability to leave the Cook Islands better than they found it from both an economic, environmental, social, and cultural point of view.  The DD team has done an amazing job in developing this strategy, and it gives me great pride to lead this positive approach.  Personally, my wife (Gina) and I have long talked about going on an overseas adventure to gain a new perspective both for ourselves and our children.  The timing is right, and, importantly, we both feel we can make a positive contribution to the Cook Islands in return.”

Brad will start officially mid February, taking over from Christian Mani who will be resuming his role as GM North America.