Cook Islands tourism operators are worried by reports the government may cut support to the sector.
A beautiful beach in the Cook Islands. Photo: Copyright: shalamov / 123RF Stock Photo
Cook Islands News has unconfirmed reports that the second part of a two year subsidy to boost tourist numbers from Australia may be dropped in the Budget due later this month.
The paper reports it understands the Tourism Corporation's funding could be cut by $US345,000 dollars.
But Cook Islands Tourism Industry Council vice-president Rohan Ellis said the Tourism Corporation needed a budget boost - not a cut.
He said the industry was poised for growth over the next five to 10 years but it was conditional on getting the proper funding from government.
