A gathering of more than 50 property and tourism industry leaders took place on Monday in Muri to discuss options for inbound tourism from North America.

New Zealand based Cook Islander, Mike Pero, presented an initiative that could see flights resume again from the American continent. 

Direct flights in wide-body aircraft are again being considered inbound to Rarotonga from Vancouver and San Francisco.

There appeared to be general consensus that the flights in the southern summer (November 2023 to April 2024) had to be considered as the off-season typically brings considerably lower occupancy for a large portion of the accommodators. 

“The flow-on effect would trickle through other providers and the economy in general,”
Pero said following the meeting.

Pero saidthe initiative included a number of players, Cook Island Tourism, government, and a number of airline logistical factors.

“Something needs to be done to restore the northern hemisphere numbers.”

“Some locals still recall the success of the Canadian airline – Canada 3000.”

“They also refer to the many advantages of Canadian customers - they fit well with the Cook Island culture, they’re keen to leave the snow behind and they tend to stay longer than others.”

Pero said, Air New Zealand had clearly stated that it was not in a position to restore the link in the foreseeable future, due to aircraft availability.