Cook Islands tourism numbers slowly increased by just over 400 in March compared to February.

According to the Cook Islands Statistics Department, the country had 3583 visitors arrive in March and 3173 visitors arrive in February.

Cook Islands Tourism Council President Liana Scott said the industry had noticed an increase in guests this month.

“We in the industry generally know it's getting busier when it is difficult to hire a rental car for guests or get them into restaurants for dinner at the times they are wanting,” Scott said.

“Additional flights, as well as an additional airline, certainly move things along.”

Graeme West, general manager of the Cook Islands Tourism Corporation for Australasia said around 8000 visitors are expected to arrive before the end of this month.

In a presentation last week, West said the number was based on accommodation bookings and flights.

Scott said there were exciting times ahead for the tourism industry as well as busy times.

She said the tourism industry looked forward to having the additional migrant workers on the ground to assist with the expected influx of arrivals.

West said last week, that May is also expected to have around 8000 guests, June to have around 9000 and July to have around 12,500 visitors.

He said in the coming months the Cook Islands will be at two-thirds of the number of visitors that were seen in 2019 - which was Cook Islands' busiest year for tourism.