AGP Executive Report

Sports Tourism: Rarotonga will host the 2028 World Va’a Distance Championships, with at least 1,500 competitors and more than 2,000 visitors expected—an anticipated boost for tourism and local businesses. Visitor Safety: Police report bag-snatching incidents targeting tourists and several crashes involving visitors over the long weekend, and urge people to secure belongings and take care on the roads. Tourism Workforce: Businesses say work-permit delays of four to six weeks are a major concern, slowing recruitment. Nature Experiences: Guided tours of Rarotonga’s Takitumu Conservation Area are attracting cruise visitors keen to see native wildlife and learn about conservation.

Visitor Safety: Police say tourists were among those affected by at least seven incidents over the long weekend, including bag-snatching reports and road crashes. Visitors are urged to secure belongings and take care on the roads. Tourism Workforce: Businesses report work permits now take four to six weeks to process, raising concerns about delays in hiring. Waka Ama Events: New Zealand will host the 2030 World Sprint Championships; organisers cited the Cook Islands’ 2028 World Distance Championships as part of the scheduling plan, putting the islands on the international paddling calendar. Tourism Policy: Public consultation is open on a draft national tourism policy, with residents invited to help shape tourism’s impact on communities, culture and the environment. Climate Outlook: Pacific forecasters warn El Niño is strengthening, with drier-than-usual conditions and heightened heat and cyclone risks expected in parts of the region into 2027.

Event Tourism: Aotearoa New Zealand will host the 2030 World Sprint Championships, with organisers citing the Cook Islands’ World Distance Championships in November 2028 as part of the regional events calendar. Cook Islands on the NRL Map: The proposed Mana Pasifika franchise is seeking to become the NRL’s 20th team, with plans for home games in Avarua and other Pacific cities if its bid succeeds. Tourism Policy: Public consultation has opened on a national tourism policy intended to guide the sector’s contribution to communities, culture, the environment and the economy. Visitor Safety: Police are urging tourists to secure bags after two motorbike snatching reports in Rarotonga, including incidents near Muri and on the airport road. Nature Tourism: Takitumu Conservation Area’s guided tours are drawing international cruise visitors keen to see native wildlife and learn about conservation. Growth and Housing: Immigration fee cuts and longer stays for Australian visitors aim to support tourism, but have raised concerns about pressure on affordable housing.

Tourism and Sport: A proposed five-nation Mana Pasifika franchise wants to join the NRL in 2029, with plans for two Pacific home games that could bring top-level rugby league to Avarua’s BCI Stadium. Visitor Safety: Police are urging extra vigilance after two tourists had bags snatched by motorbike riders, in separate incidents near Vaimaanga and Muri. Nature Tourism: Takitumu Conservation Area is drawing cruise visitors to learn about Rarotonga’s wildlife and the recovery of the endangered kakerori. Tourism Policy: Public consultation is open on a draft national tourism policy focused on tourism’s contribution to communities, culture, the environment and the economy. Travel and Housing: Extended stays for Australian visitors and lower immigration fees are intended to support tourism, but have prompted concern about pressure on affordable housing. Regional Tourism: Cook Islands tourism leaders joined the launch of a Pacific action plan aimed at improving inclusion and opportunities for women across the industry.

Air Links: Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines plan year-round nonstop Seattle–Papeete flights from June 2027, with introductory fares from $999; the sale ended October 26. The route adds a new North American link to French Polynesia, though not directly to the Cook Islands. Visitor Safety: Police are warning tourists to secure bags after two women reported snatch thefts by motorcyclists in Rarotonga, one near the airport and another in Muri. Nature Tourism: Cruise visitors are exploring Takitumu Conservation Area on guided tours, learning about native wildlife and the recovery of the endangered kakerori. Tourism Planning: Public consultation has opened on the Cook Islands’ draft National Tourism Policy, which aims to balance tourism’s economic benefits with community wellbeing, culture and the environment. Visitor Stays: Immigration fee cuts and longer stays for Australian visitors are intended to boost tourism, but have raised concerns about pressure on affordable housing.

Visitor Safety: Cook Islands Police have warned tourists to secure their belongings after two bag-snatching incidents involving motorbike riders near Vaimaanga and Muri. Cyclone Update: Aitutaki was relatively unscathed after Category 2 Cyclone Wati brought rough seas, strong winds and power disruptions; seven residents evacuated lagoon homes. Tourism Policy: Public consultation is under way on a national tourism policy, with the Cook Islands Tourism Corporation inviting residents to shape tourism’s impact on communities, culture and the environment. Nature Tourism: Cruise visitors are exploring guided tours of Rarotonga’s Takitumu Conservation Area, where conservation work helped bring the endangered kakerori back from the brink. Visitor Economy: Christchurch expected about 10,000 out-of-town visitors and 17,000 accommodation nights over Labour weekend, with the Kiwis-Cook Islands match among a packed schedule of major sports events. Tourism Pressures: Recent immigration fee cuts and longer stays for Australian visitors aim to support tourism, but have raised concerns about pressure on affordable housing.

Event Travel: Christchurch expects about 10,000 visitors and 17,000 accommodation nights over Labour weekend, with the Cook Islands–New Zealand Rugby League World Cup match among a packed sports schedule forecast to bring $3.5 million to the city. Visitor Safety: Cook Islands Police warn tourists after two bag-snatching incidents involving motorcyclists near Vaimaanga and Muri; keep belongings secured and away from passing traffic. Tourism Planning: Public consultation has opened on the draft Cook Islands National Tourism Policy, which aims to set a long-term direction that supports communities, culture, the environment and the economy. Nature Tourism: Guided tours of Rarotonga’s Takitumu Conservation Area are drawing cruise visitors to learn about native wildlife and the recovery of the endangered kakerori.

Visitor Safety: Police are investigating two motorbike bag-snatchings targeting tourists near Vaimaanga and Muri, and urge visitors to keep belongings secure and away from passing traffic. Nature Tourism: Cruise passengers are visiting Rarotonga’s Takitumu Conservation Area, where guided walks showcase native wildlife and decades of work protecting the endangered Kakerori. Tourism Policy: Public consultation is underway on a national tourism policy intended to balance the industry’s contribution with community wellbeing, culture and the environment. Growth and Housing: Immigration fee cuts and longer stays for Australian visitors aim to support tourism, but have prompted concern about pressure on affordable housing. Inclusive Tourism: A new Pacific regional action plan, backed by Cook Islands tourism leaders, sets priorities for women’s empowerment and broader participation in the industry.

Visitor Safety: Police are warning tourists and residents to secure bags after two motorbike snatchings involving visitors in Vaimaanga and Muri; pedestrians and cyclists should keep belongings away from passing traffic. Nature Tourism: Cruise visitors are discovering Rarotonga’s Takitumu Conservation Area, where guided tours showcase native wildlife and the recovery of the endangered Kakerori. Tourism Policy: Public consultation is open on a proposed national tourism policy, with the Cook Islands Tourism Corporation inviting communities to weigh in on tourism’s impact on culture, the environment and local life. Visitor Rules and Housing: Immigration fee cuts and longer stays for Australian visitors are intended to support tourism, but have raised concerns about pressure on affordable housing. Regional Inclusion: The Pacific Tourism Organisation has launched a 2026–2030 action plan to expand women’s participation and strengthen inclusion across the tourism sector. Weather Watch: Tropical Cyclone Wati brought rough seas and power disruptions to Aitutaki, though local leaders said the island was relatively unscathed.

Visitor Rules: Cook Islands immigration fee cuts and longer stays for Australian visitors aim to support tourism, but have raised concerns about pressure on affordable housing. Tourism Policy: Public consultation is open on a national tourism policy, with residents invited to shape how the industry benefits communities, culture, the environment and the economy. Inclusive Tourism: The Pacific Tourism Organisation’s new 2026–2030 action plan sets priorities for women’s participation and more inclusive tourism; Cook Islands Tourism Corporation CEO Karla Eggelton urged the sector to turn its goals into practical action. Weather Watch: Cyclone Wati swept through the Southern Cook Islands, bringing rough seas, power disruptions and evacuations on Aitutaki, though the island was reported relatively unscathed.

Tourism Policy: Public consultation has opened on the Cook Islands’ draft National Tourism Policy, inviting residents across the islands to shape tourism’s contribution to communities, culture, the environment and the economy. Inclusive Tourism: The Pacific Tourism Organisation launched its 2026–2030 action plan, with Cook Islands Tourism Corporation CEO Karla Eggelton urging the sector to turn its commitments into practical change. Visitor Experiences: A Rarotonga progressive dinner is featured among the world’s standout food experiences, showcasing local dishes, home hospitality and island music. Regional Connections: Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines plan year-round Seattle–Tahiti flights from June 2027, subject to approval, adding another route into the South Pacific. Travel Conditions: Aitutaki was reported relatively unscathed after Cyclone Wati, though rough seas and wind caused disruption.

Tourism Policy: The Cook Islands has opened consultation on a draft national tourism policy, inviting residents to shape how tourism supports communities, culture, the environment and the economy. Inclusive Tourism: The Pacific Tourism Organisation launched a 2026–2030 action plan focused on women’s participation, inclusive policies and better workplace practices; Cook Islands Tourism CEO Karla Eggelton urged the sector to turn it into action. Visitor Experience: Rarotonga’s progressive dinner, with local dishes and music hosted in residents’ homes, was highlighted among the world’s distinctive culinary experiences. Cyclone Update: Tropical Cyclone Wati swept through the Southern Cook Islands, leaving Aitutaki relatively unscathed despite rough seas, power-line damage and evacuations. Destination Recognition: The Cook Islands was named Oceania’s Leading Island Destination for a fourth consecutive year at the 2026 World Travel Awards.

Cook Islands Food: Rarotonga’s progressive dinner is among four recommended food adventures, serving local dishes such as ika mata, rukau and meats cooked in an earth oven at three island homes. Tourism Policy: Public consultation is open on the draft national tourism policy, with the Cook Islands Tourism Corporation seeking community views on tourism’s role in local life, culture, the environment and the economy. Inclusive Tourism: The Pacific Tourism Organisation has launched a 2026–2030 action plan focused on women’s participation, inclusive planning and better workplace practices; Cook Islands tourism chief Karla Eggelton urged the industry to turn it into action. Travel Update: A Sri Lankan woman stranded in Rarotonga since 2023 remains unable to return home while awaiting transit permission through Australia or New Zealand. Regional Connections: Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines plan year-round Seattle–Papeete flights from June 2027, offering another route into French Polynesia. After the Storm: Aitutaki was left relatively unscathed by Cyclone Wati, though rough seas, power-line damage and evacuations affected residents.

Travel Case: A Sri Lankan woman stranded in Rarotonga since 2023 says she is willing to be detained to prove she wants to return home. Cook Islands Immigration cannot arrange her departure without transit permission from Australia or New Zealand. Tourism Policy: Public consultation is open on the draft Cook Islands National Tourism Policy, inviting residents across the islands to shape tourism’s contribution to communities, culture, the environment and the economy. Inclusive Tourism: The Pacific Tourism Organisation has launched a 2026–2030 action plan to strengthen women’s participation and inclusive practices across the tourism sector. Cook Islands Tourism CEO Karla Eggelton urged organisations to turn its priorities into action. Air Links: Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines plan year-round Seattle–Papeete flights from June 2027, offering a new US connection to French Polynesia, though not to the Cook Islands. Destination Recognition: The Cook Islands has been named Oceania’s Leading Island Destination for a fourth consecutive year; local resorts also collected regional awards.

Tourism Policy: Public consultation has opened on a long-term Cook Islands tourism policy, with residents invited to share how tourism should benefit communities, culture, the environment and the economy. Pacific Air Links: Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines plan three weekly Seattle–Papeete flights from June 2027, adding another route into the region; the service is subject to government approval. Cyclone Wati: Aitutaki escaped major damage as the storm passed, but rough seas, power outages and evacuations disrupted life on the island—a reminder for visitors to follow local weather advice. Tourism Awards: The Cook Islands was named Oceania’s Leading Island Destination for the fourth consecutive year, with local resorts also recognised.

Pacific Air Links: Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines plan year-round Seattle–Papeete flights from June 2027, with introductory round-trip fares from US$999. The new Tahiti service could widen access to the South Pacific, though it does not fly to the Cook Islands. Travel Disruption: A foreign national remains stranded in Rarotonga after Australia and New Zealand declined transit visas; Cook Islands Immigration says it cannot resolve her overstayer status without another country agreeing to let her transit. Cyclone Update: Tropical Cyclone Wati passed Aitutaki as a Category 2 storm, bringing rough seas, wind damage and power outages. Seven residents were evacuated, but the island was reported relatively unscathed. Tourism Recognition: The Cook Islands was named Oceania’s Leading Island Destination for a fourth consecutive year at the World Travel Awards, with Pacific Resort properties also winning honours.