The response was overwhelming; interest was so high that booth collateral nearly ran out on the first day. A highlight of the weekend was Christian Mani’s 30-minute presentation at the Destination Theatre. Titled "The South Pacific Vacation You Didn't Know You Needed," the session saw a fantastic turnout, captivating an audience eager for new, authentic alternatives to traditional tropical routes.

A key driver for this surge in interest was the Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines merger. Attendees were eager to learn how to leverage their Alaska Mileage Plan points to reach the Cook Islands, with many exploring "island-hopping" itineraries that combine the Cook Islands with Tahiti, Hawaii, or New Zealand.

The Cook Islands Tourism double booth featured a high-impact backlit route map and a stunning visual of One Foot Island, Aitutaki, which served as a major drawcard. Beyond new prospects, the team met many "nostalgia travellers" who had visited in the 90s and were thrilled to see the destination’s renewed presence in the region.

With Seattle travellers looking to escape the grey winter months, the Cook Islands is now firmly positioned as a premier, accessible escape for the Pacific Northwest.

Key Takeaways for the Travel Trade

• The Alaska/Hawaiian merger is a game-changer; clients are actively looking to burn Alaska Mileage Plan points on Cook Islands routes.
• Strong interest in combining the Cook Islands with Hawaii, Tahiti, or New Zealand.
• Significant "nostalgia" from past visitors and high demand for winter/spring escapes.