In a bid to strengthen a valuable partnership with the Pa Enua, Cook Islands Tourism signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Atiu Island Government this week.

In a statement, Minister of Tourism, Patrick Arioka said: “We celebrate the signing of this MOU as Atiu has recently opened its borders to visitors. We have a long road to economic recovery, however this MOU outlines the commitments from Cook Islands Tourism to ensure that the benefits of tourism extend to the island of Atiu, demonstrating a priority area for Cook Islands Tourism.”

The MOU was created between the two parties based on a genuine spirit of partnership with all details pertaining to “sustainable tourism” identified and outlined within the document.

Cook Islands Tourism chief executive Karla Eggelton said: “We see this collaboration with Atiu as a stepping stone of many to formalise pre-existing partnerships with the Pa Enua. Atiu is renowned as an Eco-Paradise and we endeavour to preserve this notion.”

The signing of this MOU will provide the foundation to support mutually beneficial projects that are currently underway including all future activities for the progression of sustainable tourism development across the Cook Islands, the statement said.

Notable joint projects in the pipeline will include public infrastructure to support tourism as well as the resident population such as the placement of Eco Toilets on Atiu, and the continuation of the Mana Tiaki Community programmes such as Te Paa Tiare O Enuamanu.

“It is by forging crucial partnerships such as these, that will enable us to be better placed to support more visitors to Atiu and beyond. This will subsequently lead to dispersal and an authentic and value added experience,” Eggelton added.