Marketing executive Karla Eggelton has been appointed the acting chief executive officer of the Cook Islands Tourism Corporation.

The Cook Islands Tourism Corporation yesterday farewelled Halatoa Fua who has finished his term as the chief executive officer.

Having served 12 years at Cook Islands Tourism Corporation – 10 of those as CEO – Fua begins his tenure as the director of Ministry for National Environment Service (NES) on Monday.

Corporation chairman Ewan Smith shared: “Halatoa’s stewardship in Cook Islands Tourism this past decade has been exemplary.”

“We look forward to seeing the same excellence permeate from NES with his leadership. We wish Halatoa the very best in this next endeavour.”

Recruitment of a permanent replacement is currently taking place. Smith advises “applications closed before Christmas, and a panel has been established to evaluate and interview a shortlist of applicants”. This process is expected to conclude in four weeks.

In the interim Karla Eggelton has been appointed acting chief executive officer.

Eggelton will take on the CEO duties as well as her existing responsibilities of Director of Global Sales and Marketing.

Smith said: “Karla has played an active role in Cook Islands Covid-19 response these past 20 months, both at the national level and within the industry. During these uncertain times, it is important we remain focussed on the immediate tasks at hand and she will ensure this priority alignment while the board works to complete the recruitment process.”

The board expects to make an announcement late February 2022.