The Edgewater Resort and Spa and Club Raro Resort are looking forward to welcoming Pacific Islands Forum delegates to their resorts.

Island Hotels Limited chief executive officer Andrew Whittaker says preparations have been going well.

“There is a buzz of excitement within the team,” he said.

Whittaker said they have just completed the refurbishment work on their new Garden Superior rooms and are looking forward to welcoming Forum delegates into their newly refurbished rooms.

With over 250 staff members between The Edgewater Resort and Spa and Club Raro Resort, the resorts have been receiving inquiries and bookings from numerous delegations, support staff, and media attending the Forum since June of this year.

Edgewater can accommodate up to 900 guest and Club Raro around 150 guests.

“Our team have attended Kia Orana values refresher training over the last couple of weeks and we look forward to sharing Kia Orana values with the visiting guests and delegates.”

Whitaker said the resorts will be at maximum occupancy next week.

“The Edgewater Resort and Spa and Club Raro are both ready to welcome guests attending the Forum as well as other international and local visitors,” he added.

Melissa Gosselin, general manager of The Edgewater Resort and Spa, said they are extremely privileged to have a team of staff with extensive experience in coordinating the logistical accommodation and events requirements for an event of this magnitude.

“It has been and continues to be a very dynamic landscape in terms of booking accommodation, meetings and conference spaces, as well as support services, but we are very confident in our team, who are proud to have the opportunity to showcase the Edgewater, our Kia Orana spirit, and Cook Islands culture for the Pacific Islands Forum 2023.

“In saying this, it’s important to us that our guests traveling privately outside of the event are embraced with the same core values and service. It will certainly be an exciting time for all visiting the Cook Islands.”

Cook Islands Tourism Industry Council President Liana Scott said it seems that almost every accommodation is full for that particular week and there certainly should be some revenue generation.

“It is wonderful to have a November date so full,” she added.