Tourism Marketing Corporation chief executive Karla Eggelton says, “Overall we are on track for another year of solid performance, and our overall forecast for 2027 to date shows strong demand for the Cook Islands.”

Eggelton makes this comment as she welcomes Air New Zealand’s recent statement naming Rarotonga as its most popular Pacific destination during these school holidays and further cementing its status as a favourite getaway for Kiwi travellers.

The airline is preparing to carry around 850,000 customers across its domestic and international networks as of September 24 to October 11, highlighting Rarotonga, Queenstown, and Sydney among the top destinations.

Air NZ states that more than 50,000 travellers are expected to head to the Pacific islands over the break, with Rarotonga being a favourite, followed by Nadi, Fiji and Apia, Samoa.

Eggelton said it was great to see Rarotonga named as Air New Zealand’s most popular Pacific destination for the coming school holidays.

“Kiwi visitors are an important part of our visitor economy, and Air New Zealand is a valued partner. We appreciate its continued service and support for the Cook Islands.”

However, Eggelton said strong demand did not necessarily mean more flights.

“Continued uncertainty in the Middle East continues to place significant strain on the global fuel market and this remains a very real risk for the Cook Islands. We adapt.”

She said there have been schedule adjustments to ensure the airline is operating as efficiently as possible.

“Air New Zealand has advised that its schedule adjustments will reduce Rarotonga seat capacity by around two per cent (2%) for its Northern Winter schedule, from October 2026 to March 2027.

“We are taking this into account as we update our forecasts and plan with industry and government partners for what remains as a busy period for the Cook Islands.”

She added that their wider focus is on managing visitor demand well, including the pressure on services, the environment and communities.

President of Cook Islands Tourism Industry Council Liana Scott says Air NZ’s statement is positive news for the Cook Islands and the tourism industry.

“For Rarotonga to be Air New Zealand’s most popular Pacific destination during the school holiday period, ahead of other well-established destinations such as Fiji and Samoa, is a great endorsement of the continued appeal of the Cook Islands to the New Zealand market.”
Scott says that for accommodation providers and the wider tourism industry, strong visitor numbers flow well beyond just room nights.

“They support restaurants, tours and activities, transport operators, retailers and many of our smaller businesses, so the benefits are felt throughout our economy.”
She said, “The continued strength of the New Zealand market is particularly encouraging as we head towards the final months of the year.  What is also encouraging is that our traditional low season appears to be getting shorter.

“We are seeing stronger demand extending further into periods that historically would have been quieter. For tourism businesses, that provides greater stability throughout the year, allowing operators to retain staff, plan with more confidence and maintain more consistent levels of service.”

She said it is wonderful to see that Rarotonga remains a destination that Kiwis genuinely want to visit or revisit.

“We certainly look forward to welcoming them,” Scott added.