Economy
Tourist arrivals slump in Feb
Thursday 16 March 2023 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Economy, Local, National
Tourism operators have been bracing themselves for the downturn after a quiet couple of months.
Resistance to mega-tourism is rising in the South Pacific
Saturday 11 March 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, Local, National, Tourism
With Covid-19 travel restrictions largely a thing of the past for Australian and New Zealand tourists, Pacific destinations are enjoying the return of visitors – albeit at a slower pace than in other parts of the world, writes Apisalome Movono and Regina Scheyvens.
‘More seats for bums on planes please’
Wednesday 8 March 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, Local, National, Tourism
More seats for bums on planes to the Cook Islands. That’s the message from Aitutaki tourism operators following another Global Breakfast Update on the island.
‘Still undiscovered’: Rebuilding North American tourist market underway
Wednesday 8 March 2023 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Economy, National, Tourism
Less than half of the travellers booked to fly from Hawaii to the Cook Islands when the route opens up in May are from mainland United States, despite the flights creating a gateway between the island nation and 15 North American cities.
Billionaire talk of the town
Wednesday 8 March 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, Local, National
Chinese billionaire Jack Ma’s visit to Rarotonga has attracted widespread attention and discussion.
Cook Islands participates in first US-Pacific Island Country Trade and Investment Dialogue
Saturday 4 March 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Economy, National
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration in collaboration with the Ministry of Marine Resources (MMR), and the Business Trade and Investment Board (BTIB) have engaged in the first-ever U.S. – Pacific Island Country (PIC) Trade and Investment Dialogue in which Pacific Island countries highlighted their trade, investment, and fisheries priorities both regionally and individually.
‘We will protect it and we will harvest it’: PM
Friday 3 March 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Business, Economy, National
Seabed explorer vessel Anuanua Moana has been blessed and named as she prepares for research work in Cook Islands waters.
Starlink set to be launched by June
Thursday 2 March 2023 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Economy, Local, National, Outer Islands
Elon Musk’s Starlink service should be up and running in the Cook Islands within a few months.
Minimum wage debate: Suggestion for $9 per hour new rate gains momentum
Saturday 25 February 2023 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Business, Economy, Local, National
A public meeting on the minimum wage was held this week with minimum wage panelists fielding a host of questions. Matthew Littlewood, who attended the meeting, reports.
Forum summit in ‘final quarter of the year’: PM
Monday 20 February 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Business, Economy, Local, National
Cook Islands is looking at the final quarter of the year to host the 52 nd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Summit.
Submissions on minimum wage open to public
Wednesday 15 February 2023 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in Business, Economy, National
The 2023 Minimum Wage Review will be considered against a backdrop of rising costs for both living and running a business as the island nation continues to recover from Covid-19, the Ministry of Internal Affairs said in a statement on Tuesday.
Five-star cruise ship visits Aitutaki and Rarotonga
Wednesday 15 February 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Economy, Local, National
The five-star service liner stopped over in Aitutaki on Monday where 248 passengers disembarked to tour around the island, snorkel and enjoyed the local cuisines. They also visited the islands of Maina, One Foot and Honeymoon.
Crown Law mum on review of Crimes Bill
Friday 3 February 2023 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Court, Economy, National, Politics
Moves to remove homosexuality from the Crimes Act are still awaiting sign off from Crown Law.
Tax changes confuse
Wednesday 1 February 2023 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Economy, National
Businesses which have received Covid-19 business grants may now have to pay tax on them.
Debate over Pa Enua tax policy begins
Wednesday 1 February 2023 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Economy, National, Outer Islands
Pa Enua MPs stand to earn an extra $200 per week thanks to a new Bill that alters the tax-free threshold for those living in the outer islands.
Tourists stranded as Backlog of flights continues
Tuesday 31 January 2023 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Economy, National, Tourism
A backlog of flights is likely to remain for at least another week in Rarotonga, as the Auckland floods disrupt travel plans for thousands of visitors, with some people having to rebook for the end of the week.
More than $20 million to replace dying solar batteries: PM Brown
Monday 30 January 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Economy, National
It will cost more than $20 million to replace degrading batteries used to store electricity across the Pa Enua and Prime Minister Mark Brown wants it done as soon as possible.
Pa Enua tax relief first order of business: PM
Saturday 28 January 2023 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Economy, National, Outer Islands
One of the first businesses of the new Government in Parliament will be to introduce tax relief for those living in the Pa Enua, says Prime Minister Mark Brown.
From Houston to Rarotonga: Tourists stranded in Cook Islands
Friday 27 January 2023 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Economy, National, Tourism
Tourists from as far as Houston are stranded in Rarotonga due to the massive flooding in Auckland.
‘Regenerative tourism’ focus for new tourism manager
Friday 27 January 2023 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Economy, National
Cook Islands Tourism Corporation’s new destination and development manager is looking forward to a new approach to tourism.
