This unspoilt paradise boasts stunning geographic beauty, combined with a warm welcome from friendly locals, all with sophisticated infrastructure but without the usual trappings of the tourism industry. There is an excellent choice of accommodation, ranging from luxurious, intimate resorts to stylish self-catered villas for couples wanting their own space with the comforts of home.

The good news for Australian honeymooners is that not only are these places offering exceptional service and locations, but they also compare favourably pricewise to anything remotely similar in the region, with something to offer everyone – from great cuisine, colourful local culture and adventures to world-class diving in turquoise lagoons.

Wholesalers are offering amazing deals which include 4 nights for the price of 3 and greatly reduced airfares with some packages as much as 50% off. These must be booked by 30 April, for travel to 30 June 09.

Apart from the snorkelling, fishing and diving in its world-famous lagoon, Aitutaki boasts perfect white sand beaches and stunning geographic beauty, all with sophisticated infrastructure but without the usual trappings of the tourism industry.

The great local cuisine features freshly caught seafood, and the colourful culture and friendly people make this a truly relaxed environment to spend a holiday, without the superficiality of some Pacific resorts.

There is an excellent choice of accommodation, ranging from luxurious, intimate resorts to stylish self-catered villas for couples wanting their own space with the comforts of home.

Easy flight schedules from Air New Zealand and Pacific Blue mean you can fly from the eastern seaboard and land at Rarotonga in less than eight hours from Australia, with easy connections to islands like Aitutaki.

This unspoilt paradise in the Pacific boasts stunning geographic beauty, combined with a welcome from friendly, warm locals, all with sophisticated infrastructure but without the usual trappings of the tourism industry.
There is even a progressive dinner party in which visitors dine on delicious, authentic Polynesian cuisine prepared by locals in their own homes throughout the evening, something unheard of in most tourist

regions.
Speaking at the launch of the marketing campaign in Australia, the CEO of the Cook Islands Tourism Corporation, John Dean, outlined the reasons why this destination is capturing so much attention.
“While always considered one of the most romantic destinations in the world, the Cook Islands have now been transformed by a new range of upscale accommodation having opened in the last two years, as well as a range of existing resorts already popular with Australians.”
“The good news for Australians is that not only are these places offering exceptional service and locations, but they also compare favourably pricewise to anything remotely similar in the region, with something to offer everyone – from great cuisine, wine and coffee to world-class diving in our lagoons,” John said.
The Cook Islands Tourism Corporation has developed a marketing campaign which highlights the strongest elements of the region:-
• Romance
• Secluded Escape
• Gentle Immersion • My Family
• History and Legends
• Connection to the Environment
• Adventure
Over the course of the campaign, the CITC will focus on each of these attractions, hoping to appeal to various sectors of the market depending on their specific interests. They expect that the region’s pristine environment will serve as a huge drawcard for visitors, who are increasingly seeking out places that have remained unspoilt by tourism.

John Dean, the CEO of the Cook Islands Tourism Corporation, said that UTC was chosen as they were highly respected professionals with a serious reputation in tourism marketing, having been credited with the restructure and relaunch of Tahiti within the Australian market a number of years ago.

“The number one priority in Australia is to build market share and the UTC will address the issue of destination and consumer awareness of the Cook Islands right from day one of their appointment,” he said.

Jonica Paramor, Managing Director of UTC, believes the Cook Islands are a destination with huge potential for Australian travellers, especially in terms of the bridal and couples markets, as well as individuals and families who place a premium on eco-tourism.

“The Cook Islands is still one of the most pristine regions in the Pacific, while still offering a sophisticated holiday with the infrastructure required to ensure a quality experience with minimum impact on the environment,” she said.

“Through our unique style of implementing an integrated marketing plan driven by a strong PR program, we aim to build on the existing platform created by Mereana Taruia, who has done a wonderful job as the face of the Cook Islands and building the foundations. Supported by our strategic, results-driven trade activity, UTC plans to put the Cook Islands on the map for Australians as a leading South Pacific destination which is safe, close to home and great value.”

Mr Dean also added the issue of Sydney/Rarotonga/Sydney nonstop flights are a priority leading into 2009, however in the short to medium term Cook Islands Tourism Corporation wants to concentrate its collective marketing and destination awareness efforts in Australia on a much closer working association with its airline partners, Air New Zealand and Pacific Blue and to ensure the stopover in Auckland is only a minor inconvenience to visitors wanting to experience the Cook Islands.