NZ Streaming Video Service Launches On Cook Island

25 June 2002

NZ Streaming Video Service Launches On Cook Islands Website

The Cook Islands tourism industry has launched a New Zealand-designed streaming video service, in a bid to woo international holidaymakers via the Internet.

Hundreds of Look Before You Book video clips featuring hotels and attractions can now be viewed at http://www.cook-islands.com - the official website of the Cook Islands Tourism Corporation.

Look Before You Book is an Auckland-based company specialising in streaming media services, including filming and production of international travel videos as well as individual video segments for streaming over the Internet.

The Look Before You Book online service allows consumers to view hotels and attractions before booking a complete holiday over the Internet.

Cook Islands Tourism Corporation chief executive, Chris Wong, says video streaming is now a key ingredient in global marketing.

"The Cook Islands have featured in Look Before You Book travel videos for more than six years," he says.

"Turning this comprehensive video archive into streaming video is a natural progression. Now, visitors to our website can take a virtual tour of Cook Islands attractions and hotel options"

The Cook Islands partnership began earlier this year when Look Before You Book created a co-branded site for the destination.

As a result, visitors to www.cook-islands.com now have a direct link with the Look Before You Book database.

Mr Wong says the Cook Islands Tourism Corporation organised a series of presentations with local operators, to ensure as many as possible were involved.

"We think it's a great idea, and so do the people using our website. After just one week, the streaming video section is attracting hundreds of visitors every day."

The Cook Islands are the first pacific destination to use Look Before You Book streaming video.

In February this year, Air New Zealand became the first travel organisation in New Zealand to begin operating the new service.

An Online Travel Planner has been incorporated into the airline website, www.airnz.co.nz, providing a direct link between customers and Air New Zealand Travel Centres.

Cook Islands operators taking part in the latest venture will also gain added exposure on both the Cook Islands Tourism Corporation website, and the Air New Zealand website.

They will also be included in all future co-branded sites featuring the Cook Islands as a destination.

As well as the comprehensive coverage now available through the Cook Islands Tourism Corporation's website, a number of local operators are also running individual Look Before You Book video clips.

Takitumu Villas in Rarotonga is one example (www.takitumuvillas.co.ck).

*Look Before You Book

Look Before You Book has been producing a series of international travel videos for the past 8 years. The company also provides full hosting services.

For more information on Look Before You Book check www.lbyb.com or contact:

Peter Tanner Look Before You Book Phone: (09) 356 7800 Mobile: 021 379 379 Email: peter@lbyb.co.nz

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