AGP Executive Report

Cyclone Disruption: Cyclone Wati is causing problems on Aitutaki, with tourists reportedly stuck there. Weather warnings also put Suwarrow and nearby islands on alert, creating risks for flights and marine travel. Island Stays: A featured two-resort itinerary pairs Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island Resort with Sanctuary Rarotonga, highlighting lagoon activities and beachfront stays. Tourism Recognition: The Cook Islands has been named Oceania’s Leading Island Destination for the fourth year running; local resorts also collected awards. Visitor Spending: Rarotonga will host more than 600 delegates at an international Indigenous conference in November, with organisers aiming to channel visitor spending to local businesses and creatives.

Weather Watch: A tropical cyclone warning was issued for Suwarrow, with alerts for Palmerston, Aitutaki and nearby islands. Heavy rain, damaging winds and rough seas could disrupt travel; visitors should check the latest Cook Islands Meteorological Service advice. Visitor Outlook: Rarotonga will host more than 600 delegates at an international Indigenous conference from 9–13 November, bringing a boost for local businesses and a chance to showcase the islands. Tourism Recognition: The Cook Islands has been named Oceania’s Leading Island Destination for the fourth year running at the 2026 World Travel Awards. Pacific Resort properties also collected four awards.

Island Getaway: A holiday package pairs four nights at Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island Resort with four at Sanctuary Rarotonga, featuring beachfront bungalows, lagoon activities and sunset dining. Cyclone Watch: Early-forming Tropical Cyclone Wati could bring heavy rain, strong winds and rough seas to the Cook Islands. Separate alerts warned Suwarrow, with Palmerston and Aitutaki on watch — conditions that may disrupt travel and marine activities. Tourism Awards: The Cook Islands has been named Oceania’s Leading Island Destination for the fourth consecutive year. Pacific Resort Rarotonga also won Oceania’s Leading Boutique Resort. Conference Visitors: More than 600 delegates are expected in Rarotonga for an international Indigenous gathering in November, offering a boost for local businesses. Travel Concerns: A South Asian woman has been stuck in the Cook Islands for three years after New Zealand and Australia declined transit visas, raising difficult questions about getting stranded travellers home.

Severe Weather: Tropical Cyclone Wati has formed unusually early in the Southwest Pacific, with heavy rain, strong winds and rough seas possible in parts of the Cook Islands. Officials have also warned Suwarrow to prepare as a nearby system strengthens; travellers should monitor local forecasts for disruption to flights and marine services. Tourism Recognition: The Cook Islands has been named Oceania’s Leading Island Destination for the fourth year in a row at the 2026 World Travel Awards. Local resorts also collected awards, adding an international boost for the tourism sector. Major Gathering: Rarotonga expects more than 600 international delegates for an Indigenous health and knowledge conference from 9–13 November, bringing visitors and business opportunities for local operators. Rugby World Cup: The Cook Islands meet Fiji on Sunday, 18 October, in a high-profile tournament match that puts the islands before international fans.

Cyclone Alert: TD01F is forecast to strengthen into a Category 1 cyclone, with a warning in force for Suwarrow and alerts for Palmerston, Aitutaki and nearby islands. Officials warn of damaging winds, heavy rain and dangerous swells. Tourism Recognition: The Cook Islands has been named Oceania’s Leading Island Destination for a fourth consecutive year at the World Travel Awards, recognizing the tourism sector and its hospitality. Major Conference: Rarotonga will welcome more than 600 international delegates for an Indigenous health and knowledge conference from 9–13 November, with organisers aiming to bring benefits to local businesses and showcase Cook Islands culture and creativity.

World Cup Spotlight: The Cook Islands face Fiji on Sunday in their Rugby League World Cup opener, with seven Fiji players set to make their debuts. Rarotonga Events: More than 600 delegates are expected for a major Indigenous conference from 9–13 November, bringing international visitors and a boost for local businesses. Travel Concerns: A South Asian woman has been stranded in the Cook Islands for three years after New Zealand and Australia declined transit visas; Cook Islands officials say the decisions are outside their control. Ocean Conservation: The Bezos Earth Fund is providing more than US$25 million for Pacific marine protection, including work to advance the Cook Islands’ Marae Moana vision.

Rugby League World Cup: Australia edged New Zealand 24–22, with the Kiwis now set to face the Cook Islands next week; star fullback Kalyn Ponga’s tournament is in doubt after an arm injury. Rarotonga Conference: More than 600 delegates are expected for a major Indigenous gathering in November, with organisers aiming to bring business to local operators and showcase Cook Islands culture. Stranded Traveller: A South Asian woman has been unable to leave the Cook Islands for nearly three years after New Zealand and Australia declined transit visas; she says she is willing to travel under escort to get home. Ocean Conservation: More than US$25 million in new Pacific grants will support conservation across five nations, including advancing the Cook Islands’ Marae Moana vision.

Travel Disruption: A 49-year-old woman has been stranded in the Cook Islands since November 2023 after New Zealand and Australia declined transit visa applications. New Zealand says it doubts her intention to transit; Cook Islands officials have offered to escort her through Auckland so she can return home. Visitor Economy: Rarotonga will host more than 600 delegates at an international Indigenous conference from 9–13 November, with organisers aiming to direct benefits to local businesses and showcase Cook Islands products and culture. Rugby League: The Cook Islands face Fiji on Sunday, 18 October, at the World Cup, which opens this week across Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea. Ocean Conservation: The Bezos Earth Fund is providing more than $25 million for Pacific conservation, including support for advancing the Cook Islands’ Marae Moana vision. Event Tourism: Rarotonga is set to welcome overseas teams for Masters Rugby League in 2027, alongside women’s competition and two international tests.

Rarotonga Events: More than 600 delegates are expected for an international Indigenous conference on 9–13 November, bringing visitors and a chance to showcase Cook Islands businesses, products and culture. Travel Delays: A 49-year-old woman stranded in the Cook Islands since November 2023 says she is willing to transit Auckland under escort to return home; New Zealand has declined her visa applications, citing doubts about her intentions. Ocean Conservation: The Bezos Earth Fund is providing more than $25 million across five Pacific nations, including support for the Cook Islands’ Marae Moana vision and protection of marine habitats. Sports Tourism: Rarotonga is preparing to host international Masters rugby league teams in 2027, alongside women’s competition and two test matches.

Travel Disruption: A 49-year-old woman has been stranded in the Cook Islands since 2023, unable to secure transit visas through New Zealand or Australia to travel home. New Zealand says it doubts her intention to transit; she says she wants to return to her family. Ocean Conservation: The Bezos Earth Fund is granting more than $25 million for Pacific marine protection, including support for advancing the Cook Islands’ Marae Moana vision. Penrhyn Support: A six-week NZDF exercise has delivered infrastructure, health and hydrographic assistance alongside residents of remote Penrhyn. Rugby Tourism: The Cook Islands face Fiji in their Rugby League World Cup opener this Sunday. Rarotonga is also set to host Masters rugby league again in 2027, with overseas teams, women’s matches and two international tests planned.

Ocean Conservation: The Bezos Earth Fund is committing more than $25 million to Pacific conservation, including support for the Cook Islands’ Marae Moana vision. The grants aim to protect marine habitats and keep the waters that sustain island communities healthy. Penrhyn: A six-week NZDF exercise has delivered infrastructure, health and hydrographic support alongside locals on the remote atoll, nearly 1,400 kilometres north of Rarotonga. Sports Tourism: Rarotonga is preparing to host Masters Rugby League again in 2027, with overseas teams, women’s competition and two international tests expected. Organisers say the island’s limited accommodation has long constrained the tournament’s scale.

Penrhyn Support: A six-week NZDF exercise has wrapped up on remote Penrhyn, with personnel delivering infrastructure, health and hydrographic support alongside local residents. Ocean Protection: The Bezos Earth Fund is providing more than $25 million for conservation across five Pacific nations, including support for the Cook Islands’ Marae Moana vision to protect its ocean. Travel Access: A 49-year-old foreign national has been unable to leave the Cook Islands for nearly three years because New Zealand and Australia have not approved the transit visas needed for her journey home. Sports Tourism: Rarotonga is preparing to host Masters rugby league teams again in 2027, with women’s teams and two international tests planned; organisers say accommodation capacity remains a key consideration. Cook Islands also faces Fiji in the opening round of the Rugby League World Cup.

Penrhyn Support: A six-week NZDF exercise has wrapped up on remote Penrhyn, with personnel working alongside residents on infrastructure, health and hydrographic projects. Travel Impasse: A 49-year-old foreign national remains stranded in the Cook Islands after three years, unable to secure transit visas through New Zealand or Australia for her journey home. World Cup Build-up: Fiji’s opening Rugby League World Cup match against the Cook Islands is set for October 18; the Bati have added Jacob Saifiti, while Kurt Donoghoe says his late grandmother inspired him to represent Fiji. Masters Rugby in 2027: Rarotonga is preparing to welcome overseas teams, women’s matches and two international tests, as organisers revive a tournament whose growth has been limited by the island’s accommodation capacity.

Travel Impasse: A foreign national has been stranded in the Cook Islands since November 2023 after New Zealand and Australia declined transit visas for her journey home. Cook Islands immigration says it has explored departure options, but visa decisions rest with those countries. Tourism Priorities: The Cook Islands and UN reviewed a US$15.4 million programme covering 78 activities through 2027, including plans to link tourism with agrifood markets. Event Tourism: Rarotonga is preparing to host Masters Rugby League teams again in 2027, with women’s competition and two international tests planned. Organisers say accommodation capacity has been a key constraint on the tournament’s size.

Tourism Priorities: The Cook Islands and UN reviewed a US$15.4 million support plan through 2027, including work to link tourism with agrifood markets. Sports Travel: Rarotonga is preparing to host Masters Rugby League again in 2027, with overseas teams, a women’s competition and two international tests. Organisers say limited accommodation has been a hurdle. Visitor Exchange: Auckland’s Cook Islands Darts Association brought 58 members to Rarotonga for an 11-day visit, combining competition with player development and ties with local players.

Tourism Planning: The Cook Islands and UN reviewed a US$15.4 million programme running through 2027, including plans to link tourism with agrifood markets. Sports Travel: Auckland’s Cook Islands Darts Association brought 58 members to Rarotonga for 11 days of competition and player development. Looking ahead, the 2027 Masters Rugby League tournament is expected to draw overseas teams, with women’s competition and two international tests; organisers say accommodation capacity has been a key challenge.