Cook Islands Tourism aims to develop sustainable tourism on Mauke by implementing projects like storyboards, homestays and historical site preservation, with strong support from the local government and community.

A team from the Cook Islands Tourism Corporation met with stakeholders on Mauke during a training programme for small businesses held last month. 

The Business Trade Investment Board (BTIB) training programme is a collaboration between Cook Islands Tourism, BTIB and the Revenue Management Division (RMD) of the Ministry of Finance and Economic Management.

The training, the third instalment of the programme, held from September 10 to 13, aimed to equip small businesses with essential skills for effective operations.

According to a Cook Islands Tourism statement, the BTIB team provided valuable insights on writing business plans and bookkeeping, while the RMD offered guidance on filing taxes and key taxation information tailored for the Pa Enua.

Tourism focused on digital marketing strategies to help businesses enhance their online presence through social media, emphasising the growing demand for regenerative travel experiences. Participants explored how local businesses can engage with Tourism’s Regenerative Tourism Incubator Programme and the principles of destination stewardship.

The Cook Islands Tourism team included industry development manager Tina Kae, industry development coordinator Jean Nootai and regenerative tourism manager Jeremy Goodwin.

“Our goal is to equip businesses with the right tools not just to operate efficiently, but to thrive in a sustainable tourism environment,” Nootai said.

“By leveraging digital marketing strategies, local businesses can enhance their visibility and tap into the increasing demand for regenerative travel experiences.”

The overall collaborative effort ensured that participants gained a well-rounded understanding of both the operational and promotional aspects of running a successful business.

Following the training, positive feedback from local businesses and government representatives reinforced the value of this collaboration.

Tourism also met with Te Koutu Turoto, the Te Ieie o te Orau committee, and the Mauke Island Government to explore ways to further develop tourism on Mauke.

The discussion focused on enhancing visitor experiences while preserving the island’s natural resources and way of life, the statement said.

Key recommendations discussed included a homestay programme, the cleaning and upkeep of historical sites, and the installation of storyboards at cultural and historical points of interest. A tour guide booklet tailored to Mauke was also prioritised to improve visitor engagement and education.

“The new Mauke Island Government has shown strong support for these projects, underlining their commitment to sustainable tourism. However, the success of these initiatives will depend on securing the necessary funding. While full financial backing may take time, the plan is to focus on short-term projects that can be rolled out quickly alongside longer-term goals,” the statement said.

According to Cook Islands Tourism, one of the first projects expected to move forward is the installation of storyboards at key cultural and historical sites around Mauke.

“The goal is to complete this by the end of 2024, pending the finalisation of content, approval from landowners, and securing funding through the Mana Tiaki Programme.

“Next steps will involve working closely with the Te Ieie o te Orau committee to finalise project details and approval. These partnerships will be crucial for making these initiatives a reality, with the storyboards marking an important milestone in Mauke’s journey towards sustainable tourism and cultural preservation.”