6 May 2016

Economist sees huge potential for Cook Islands tourism

3:36 pm on 6 May 2016

A tourism economist says tourism can be a bigger driver of the Cook Islands economy than it is now.

Aerial photograph of Penrhyn, also known as Tongareva in the Cook Islands.

Aerial photograph of Penrhyn, also known as Tongareva in the Cook Islands. Photo: Ewan Smith

Albert Stafford told the Cook Islands News that there was a need to encourage a broader market mix as New Zealand would remain the main source of visitors.

Mr Stafford said finding partnership opportunities with local landowners and ensuring only sustainable development was important.

He said there was also a need to ensure Cook Islanders were offered investment and development first as part of social and cultural considerations.

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