It will make $2m

This year’s Vaka Eiva 2010 is expected to generate almost $2 million for the local economy, on par with last year’s week-long festival which brought in an estimated total gross economic revenue of $1.92 million.

Last year 801 participants from five different countries participated in Oe Vaka events in the waters of Rarotonga.

This year will be the seventh annual Vaka Eiva – now the largest annual sporting event in the Cook Islands in terms of revenue generated for the country, as well as the number of international participants and supporters.

In 2009 there were 97 different crews with a range of paddlers from those competing in the mixed under 14 years division – of which the youngest was 11 – to the senior master division in which the oldest paddler was 69.

557 participants and at least 100 supporters travelled to Rarotonga from overseas for the event.

During the festival a survey of 100 participants and supporters was conducted to ascertain their spending habits, and get comment on the event, Rarotonga, and the Cook Islands in general as a destination.

Survey results were combined with information gathered by the Cook Islands Canoeing Association, and used to estimate the total economic benefit to the country.

The $1.92 million estimate did not include revenue generated by local paddlers and supporters from Rarotonga and outer islands, as well as potential revenue generated by those returning to the Cook Islands as a result of their experiences with Vaka Eiva.

Within the overall estimate were approximate figures for money generated through air fares ($521,000), accommodation ($383,000), and food ($380,000), as well as other revenue sources such as transportation and souvenirs.

The average stay of those surveyed was 11.3 days, (from a range of five to 30 days), although the festival itself spanned seven days.

It was estimated the average amount spent by each participant on air fares, accommodation, food, and transport was $2670 – $1720 excluding air fares.

All those surveyed said they would recommend the Cook Islands as a destination – both for Vaka Eiva and a holiday – and indicated they would return.

Sixty-four per cent had previously visited Rarotonga, but of those, 17 per cent said it was their first Vaka Eiva experience.