Air New Zealand Assists Aitutaki’s Recovery

Air New Zealand Assists Aitutaki’s Recovery

19 March 2010 – Aitutaki is still very much an undiscovered paradise when it comes to visitors embarking on a South Pacific holiday. With Rarotonga being the main and most popular of the Cook Islands, Aitutaki is fondly referred to as the ‘jewel in the crown’.

Cyclone Pat’s impact last month could have been significantly more damaging but Chris Ingram, New Zealand manager for Cook Islands Tourism says the financial impact of tourists not travelling to Aitutaki is the immediate concern.

“I know people want to help and donations are definitely needed but the very best way people can support the people of Aitutaki, is to go up there for a holiday. Aitutaki is operating as normal with a couple of minor exceptions. ”

Originally from Aitutaki, Mr Ingram says the island is hugely reliant on tourism.

“The drop in visitor numbers over the last month is being felt deeply across the island. Hotels don’t need as many staff on duty, the restaurants aren’t as busy, neither are the tour companies taking people fishing and snorkelling.”

Keen to invigorate the recovery Cook Islands Tourism approached Air New Zealand.

“As a partner of Cook Islands Tourism for many years, we asked Air New Zealand if they could assist us with stimulating demand. We couldn’t have asked for a better response.”

Air New Zealand Chief executive, Rob Fyfe says he feels immensely for the people of Aitutaki.

“It really is a very special destination and once people have experienced its postcard beauty they will feel an affinity with the Aitutakians forever. I strongly urge people considering a holiday to think about travelling to the Cook Islands including a visit to Aitutaki.”

Mr Fyfe says Cook Islands Tourism in New Zealand is launching a fantastic campaign and people should get behind it.

Mr Ingram says that for sales from 21-29 March if people book a holiday to Rarotonga, then they will be able to purchase a flight to Aitutaki for a dollar.

“I know it sounds insane but it is completely true, you can fly from Rarotonga to Aitutaki for one New Zealand dollar.”

Mr Fyfe says Air New Zealand will certainly play its part.

“Air New Zealand commenced jet services to Rarotonga nearly 40 years ago and we have a special connection to Aitutaki, with the TEAL flying boat service operating there almost 60 years ago. As always we are keen to support the Cook Islands and we will offer great value holiday packages as part of this latest Cook Islands Tourism initiative”

Earlier this year Air New Zealand confirmed its ongoing commitment in 2010-2011 to the Los Angeles-Rarotonga-Los Angeles direct flight

Mr Ingram says it was fantastic news.

“This flight ensures direct access to the American market plus to Kiwis returning to New Zealand who want time in the sun before they arrive home.”

Mr. Ingram says Air New Zealand is expanding their offering which will have a significant benefit to the Cook Islands.

“The idea of a direct Sydney-Rarotonga-Sydney flight has been on Cook Islands Tourism’s agenda for quite some time and the great news is, it is now going to happen in July 2010.”

Cabinet have approved a financial guarantee that will be put in place to enable an Air New Zealand B767 direct flight to operate for a trial period of four months between July and October 2010.

Mr Ingram says they are confident the new Sydney flight will generate visitor growth from the Australian market that will ensure the direct flight is commercially viable and can be extended over time.

“It will also open up possibilities for Cook Islands' agricultural products including fresh fish to be freighted on a weekly basis to what is a huge Australian consumer market. The potential growth opportunities for our local farmers are incredibly exciting.”

Mr Ingram says the Cook Islands is growing as a tourist destination.

“We very much want to people to be thinking about the Cook Islands as their next holiday destination. In light of Cyclone Pat more than ever we would hope people would consider spending time on Aitutaki.”

ENDS

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