The Cook Islands Tourism Leadership Programme welcomes two new aspiring tourism professionals, Eitiare Watson and Rierson Tupou, as its latest recipients. The duo has begun their journey with a paid internship at Pacific Resort Rarotonga, where they are gaining hands-on experience in the industry. Come July, they will take the next step in their development by heading to QRC Tai Tokerau to study a Tourism Operations course, setting them on the path to becoming future leaders in the sector.

The Tourism Leadership Programme, a collaborative initiative by Cook Islands Tourism Corporation, Air New Zealand, and Pacific Resort Hotel Group, aims to support young Cook Islanders passionate about building careers in tourism. The programme blends practical industry experience with formal education, equipping recipients with the skills and knowledge to thrive in the ever-evolving tourism sector.

As we welcome Eitiare and Rierson, we also celebrate the achievements of last year’s recipients, Kubethreana ‘QB’ Taripo and Rakiki Brown who have both completed the scholarship programme. QB has taken an exciting step forward in her career, securing a paid internship with Cook Islands Tourism, demonstrating the programme’s success in fostering career progression within the local industry. Meanwhile, Rakiki is returning to New Zealand to further her studies.

The success of the Tourism Leadership Programme continues to highlight the importance of investing in young Cook Islanders. By providing career pathways and professional development opportunities, the programme ensures a strong succession plan for the industry.

For aspiring tourism professionals, this initiative is a gateway to a rewarding future in an industry at the heart of our nation. Stay tuned for more updates and opportunities to be part of this exciting journey!

For inquiries and further information, please contact:
Tina Kae, Industry Development Manager at Cook Islands Tourism
[email protected]