Aitutaki Bouncing Back

Aitutaki Bouncing Back

16 February 2010 – The Tourism Council of Aitutaki is concerned misinformation may stop visitors travelling to Aitutaki. Chris Ingram, Cook Islands Tourism general manager – New Zealand says they are working closely with the Council to ensure travel agencies throughout New Zealand are aware that the island is open for business.

“Aitutaki is very reliant on tourism and this has ensured a collective and intensive effort to clean up the island as quickly as possible. The tour companies are all fully operational as of Sunday and Air Rarotonga since Friday, with their schedule increasing as the demand dictates. Similarly many of the restaurants are open for business with full services.”

Telecom Cook Islands have restored lines to most properties but Internet and mobile phones are limited in their services.

“A team of technicians from Rarotonga is on the island. They are progressively working to fully restore all communications systems.”

Mr Ingram says almost all accommodation is open although in some instances not all rooms are operational.

“Rest assured visitors will not be placed in a room that isn’t fully operational and up to our normal high standards. We pride ourselves on the paradise offering the Cook Islands are famous for, there is no way we would ever jeopardize this.”

Mr. Ingram confirmed almost all properties have been re-connected to the mains power supply and others are using generators. He says the lagoon cruise companies that operated yesterday reported that the lagoon is in great shape.

“The beaches of One Foot, Honeymoon Island and Akaiami are in perfect condition.”

Visitors Margaret & James Hart say not only are they staying and continuing their holiday, they will return to Aitutaki.

“There is damage but there is so much beauty still on the island and in the people. The cyclone occurred on our second night here, only days ago. There has been a massive effort to bring life back to normal. Paradise has been injured but not lost. We are staying and will definitely return.”

Mr Ingram says of the eight villages on Aitutaki none escaped damage, homes have been lost and most received some damage.

“There is tree and leaf debris that will take a few weeks to clean up. It will also take between two and four weeks for the foliage to begin its recovery but as is the case in the tropics after just two months we will see a dramatic re-growth.

“The people of Aitutaki are resilient and have already made great progress to return their lives to normal but it will take a lot of physical work and importantly Aitutaki will need the support of our visitors from New Zealand and around the world.”

ENDS

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