INDIVIDUAL WINNER - Kia Orana Champion!

Ali Maao

Ali Maao, a dedicated team member of the Vaka Cruise in Aitutaki. Ali was described in nominations as an exceptional guide and storyteller with a heart for tourism. His generosity in sharing the Cook Islands' unique culture and traditions demonstrates the value our visitors have on authentic interactions in the activities they choose to do.

"This is our hard work... What I do is not just for me, but for the people of Aitutaki, for my family, for the company itself. Like what the Prime Minister said, you've gotta do it with passion. Do something that you're passionate about, do something that you love and you gotta love what you do. I believe that each one of us are here because we love what we do (within) the tourism industry." - Ali Maao.

BUSINESS WINNER

Captain Tama's Lagoon Cruizes

Captain Tama’s Lagoon Cruizes based in Muri, Rarotonga took home the business category award. Nominees for Captain Tama’s noted the authenticity displayed by every member of Captain Tama’s team, many noting they didn’t stop smiling throughout the experience. Nominations spoke to the team embodying the Cook Islands’ spirit and providing life-long memories that visitors continue to share.

"We work alongside a lot of passionate, young people that deliver services to our tourists. It's a testament to our colleagues... We (try to) deliver a service that we are so passionate about. Rain or shine, we carry with us our culture, our families, our people, those in the past and (those with us) today. We honour them, this is for them. Without them, instilling in us children, tamariki na kotou, kare na matou e autu i teia korona teitei i teia ra." - Martha Nikoia, Captain Tama's Lagoon Cruizes.

AWARD CATEGORIES

Business category

The winner received a ‘Marketing & Promotional’ package valued at approximately NZ$12,000.

Individual category

The winner has been honoured with the title of Kia Orana Champion and a 'Travel and Marketing' package, valued at approximately NZ$7,000