Position: Industry Development Coordinator
Division: Destination Development
Reports to: Industry Development Manager
Location: Rarotonga, Cook Islands
Deadline: Wednesday 22 July 2026, 5pm CKT
Applications to: [email protected]

This is an opportunity for an organised, people-focused and proactive person who is passionate about tourism, industry support, quality visitor experiences and the future of the Cook Islands visitor economy.

As Industry Development Coordinator, you will help deliver programmes, projects and day-to-day support for the tourism sector. You will work with operators, industry partners, government agencies and the wider Cook Islands Tourism team to support a more capable, connected and resilient industry.

This is an industry-facing role for someone who enjoys building relationships, coordinating moving parts and supporting practical work that benefits our people, our culture, our environment and our economy.

About the role

The Industry Development Coordinator helps turn industry development plans into action.

You will support the delivery of workshops, quality assurance programmes, industry updates, operator engagement, workforce initiatives, reporting and project coordination. The role is varied, practical and relationship-based, with a strong focus on helping the tourism sector stay informed, supported and connected.

You will work closely with the Industry Development Manager and the wider Destination Development team to keep projects moving and ensure industry-facing work is delivered well.

How this role makes an impact

Tourism operators are central to the visitor experience.

This role helps make sure they have access to the right support, information, training and relationships to keep improving. By supporting capability-building, quality assurance, workforce development and industry engagement, the role contributes to a stronger and more future-ready tourism sector.

The impact is practical: better supported operators, stronger industry relationships, improved visitor experiences and tourism development that benefits our people, our culture, our environment and our economy.

What you will be doing

Industry engagement
Maintain strong relationships with tourism operators, industry members and delivery partners through regular communication, site visits and updates.

Capability building
Support workshops, training, business support, best-practice sharing and other learning opportunities for the sector.

Quality assurance
Assist with programmes that strengthen visitor satisfaction, safety, quality and sustainability.

Workforce development
Support tourism career pathways, internships, school engagement and initiatives that encourage Cook Islanders into the industry.

Industry communications
Prepare industry updates, EDM content, key messages and other material for industry-facing work.

Research and reporting
Gather feedback, support surveys, prepare updates and track progress.

Project coordination
Support planning, timelines, budgets, invoices, procurement, contractors and delivery partners.

About you

We are looking for someone proactive, organised, professional and relationship-focused.

You may already be working in tourism, hospitality, business support, stakeholder engagement, training, events, communications, project coordination or another industry-facing role.

You do not need to know everything from day one, but you do need to be curious, fair, practical and willing to learn.

This role will suit someone who enjoys variety, builds trust easily and can stay calm while managing multiple priorities.

What you will bring

The successful applicant will demonstrate:

• Strong relationship-building and communication skills
• A good understanding of tourism products, industry operations and the Cook Islands tourism sector
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail
• The ability to manage multiple projects, priorities and deadlines
• Confidence working with operators, partners, internal teams and suppliers
• The ability to work independently with limited supervision
• A professional, friendly and impartial approach
• Strong written communication and proofreading skills
• Confidence using office software, including word processing, spreadsheets, email and databases
• A positive, practical and solutions-focused attitude
• A genuine passion for the Cook Islands and our tourism industry

Experience with CRM systems, PR, communications, design or content development would be an advantage. Experience in industry development, destination development, tourism operations or business advisory services would also be an advantage.

Qualifications and experience

Applicants should have:

• Experience or a tertiary degree/equivalent level of learning in a related field
• At least two years’ experience involving the operational delivery of a tourism product
• Competency in speaking and writing in English
• Cook Islands Māori would be an advantage
• Experience in industry development, destination development or a similar role in the tourism industry would be an advantage
• Experience providing business advisory services would be an advantage

Why join Cook Islands Tourism?

This is a chance to contribute to the future of tourism in the Cook Islands.

You will help strengthen industry capability, support quality visitor experiences and contribute to tourism development that benefits our people, our culture, our environment and our economy.

You will also be joining a team that values collaboration, professionalism, accountability and pride in our islands.

How to apply

Please submit your CV and cover letter outlining your experience, skills and why you’re interested in joining Cook Islands Tourism as Industry Development Coordinator.

Applications should be sent to: [email protected]

Applications close: Wednesday 22 July 2026, 5pm CKT