Megan Browne and Itirangi Pennycook, accompanied by Cook Islands Tourism Sustainable Tourism Coordinator Vainepoto Tangaroa, departed our shores to represent the Cook Islands at the Global Youth Tourism Summit in Sorrento, Italy. The excitement has started and the girls are eager to get involved and meet young people from all over the world.

"It is important that we continue to strengthen the connection and understanding of a harmonious link between tourism and the environment." Says the CEO of Cook Islands Toursim Karla Eggelton. "This is one such opportunity that young Cook Islanders get to see this in practice with their peers, sharing worldwide sustainable tourism examples and bringing home new thinking and new ideas.  We need to create more ambassadors and advocates, and this is why we see value in supporting this program."

Developed by the United World Tourism Organisation, this summit is the first global platform dedicated exclusively to youth and sustainable tourism. The five-day comprehensive programme will include engaging topics such as Tourism for Rural development, Sustainable gastronomy, Innovation and digitization and much more.

As a lead-up to their departure, Megan and Itirangi recently featured on a segment for PMN Cook Islands radio station. CLICK HERE to watch the live interview. 

Be sure to follow the girls' progress as they continue to update us all on their experiences, development and growth. We wish Megan, Itarangi and Vainepoto all the best on their journey.