Cook Islands Tourism yesterday announced the finalists for the 2024 Cook Islands People’s Choice Awards (PCA), celebrating excellence in the tourism industry and the wider community.

In a statement, Karla Eggelton, chief executive officer of Cook Islands Tourism, said they received over 900 nominations, surpassing last year’s total of 625.

“At a time when we are building back our economic base, the number of nominations really speaks to how far-reaching tourism is across businesses and our community,” Eggelton said.

“Every day our people showcase the best of what the Cook Islands has to offer, bringing professionalism, dynamism, Kia orana values, and unforgettable

experiences that create lasting memories for our visitors.

“In fact, 94 per cent of our visitors tell us they are satisfied, 98 per cent will recommend the Cook Islands and 94 per cent said they will return. These are some vital performance metrics that determine our country’s tourism success and viability.”

Eggelton said that announcing the top nominated candidates will activate the Cook Islands Tourism Corporation’s online voting portal. This will allow both visitors and the community to tell everyone who they voted for and why they chose their nominee as the People’s Choice for 2024.

Noeline Mateariki, director of sales and marketing, noted that nominees have come from far and wide.

“The PCA programme has global reach. While 22 per cent of nominations have come directly from our community, New Zealand contributed 50 per cent of total nominations, followed by Australia with 20 per cent, United States 3 per cent, and a further 5 per cent across the United Kingdom and Europe including Italy, Germany, Switzerland and Sweden,” Mateariki said.

“The nominees have been praised for their professionalism, dedication, and the unique touches they bring to their work. Words such as ‘amazing’, ‘best’, and ‘memorable’ were commonly used, highlighting how these individuals and businesses make a lasting positive impact on our visitors. This is what

makes them stand out and deserving finalists for the 2024 Cook Islands People’s Choice Awards.”

Now in the second year, Mateariki said the 2024 Cook Islands People’s Choice Awards received a mix of returning and new finalists.

“We are seeing familiar faces among the finalists, which shows consistency

in delivering exceptional service. At the same time, it’s encouraging to see new names on the list.”

The nominations also show expanding reach of the awards, with more finalists now representing Pa Enua, including Aitutaki, Atiu and Manihiki.

After a thorough vetting and review process, the top finalists across the business and individual categories have been selected based on the total number of nominations they received and the impact of their contributions to tourism.

The competition now shifts to the public voting stage to determine the winners in both the business and individual categories. Voting opens online at noon today, August 19, and will remain open for four weeks, closing on September 16, 2024.

To vote, visit the Cook Islands Tourism official Facebook page and cast your vote by “reacting” to the image of your preferred finalist in each category. Each “reaction” counts as a vote.

“You can vote for multiple finalists, but only one vote per finalist is allowed per Facebook account. Please note that likes on shared posts will not be counted.”

Winners will be announced on World Tourism Day on September 27. Winners in the business category will receive a promotion and marketing package valued at approximately NZ$12,000, supported by Cook Islands Tourism. The individual category winner will be awarded a travel and marketing prize package valued at approximately NZ$7000 and honoured with the title of a Kia Orana champion.

Finalists

Business Category Finalists: Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island Resort Adults Only, Ariki Adventures, Ariimoana Walkabouts, Atiu Villas, Cafe Jireh, Captain Tama's Lagoon Cruizes, Charlie's, Circle Cook Islands, Club Raro, COCOCKTAIL, Edgewater Resort and Spa, Go Local Cook Islands, Koka Lagoon Cruise, Kutekute Tours and Transfers Aitutaki, Manuia Beach Resort Maunga Tours, Nior Photography & Film, Ocean Toa Cook Islands, OTB, Progressive Dinner Cook Islands Tours, Raro Fishing Charters, Raro Safari Tours, Rarotonga Turtle Tours Ltd, Sea Pace Rarotonga, Taio Shipping, Tumutoa Tours, Vili’s Burger Joint, Weddings with Florence Tia.

Individual Category Finalists: Aisake Katonivere, Alfred and Taylor Story, Ali Maao, Ani Thompson, Bruce Goldsworthy, Butch Leone, Danny Mataroa, Debra and Craig Graham, Fiona Mene, Florence Syme-Buchanan, Kaina Karaponga, Kura Happ, Malcolm Sword, Maria Henry, Mary Hosking, Mii Upu, Mike Tavioni, Ngametua Tumutoa, Nane Purea, Papatua Papatua, Paul Lynch, Peter Pokipoki, Ritia Numanga, Sabine Janneck, Sione Vili, Teokotai Foster-Tupuna (Baby Turtle), Vero Naivalu, Viani Tixier, Viriama Marsters.