New flight routes to increase visitors to the Cook Islands
Friday 21, January 2011
The Cook Islands Tourism Corporation has announced a deal with Air New Zealand, Air Pacific and the Cook Islands Government that will help increase the number of visitors to the destination, with new flight routes to Rarotonga being added.
Following a successful trial service in 2010, Air New Zealand will commence a weekly flight from Sydney to Rarotonga. Along with the new route announcement, Air New Zealand will be able to guarantee the continuation of the weekly Los Angeles to Rarotonga flight over the next three years.
Air Pacific is also in the process of reaching an agreement with the Cook Islands Government for a three year contract, whereby a Nadi (Fiji) to Rarotonga weekly flight will be in operation, which will offer direct north bound connections to the Hong Kong service. Air Pacific is a new carrier to the Cook Islands and with the introduction of the new service, it will enable visitors to easily island hop between the Cook Islands and Fiji, which were very popular when the route was previously offered by Air New Zealand.
Commenting on the new flights, Carmel Beattie, CEO of the Cook Islands Tourism Corporation said,
“I am extremely excited about the announcement of the three year deals with Air New Zealand and Air Pacific. This allows us to heavily promote our beautiful islands to key markets, including the UK, like never before.”
A code share with Air New Zealand and Virgin Atlantic has also been announced for routes between the UK and New Zealand, which will further help increase visitors to the Cook Islands, enabling Virgin Atlantic passengers to connect onto code share flights from Los Angeles and Auckland to Rarotonga. The airlines expect the code share to come into force at the end of February 2011, after obtaining the relevant government approvals.
The Cook Islands comprises of 15 tiny islands in the heart of the Pacific Ocean, which are known predominantly for their sandy white beaches, clear blue water and welcoming culture. The international airport is based in Rarotonga, the largest of the islands, from where daily internal flights allow visitors to explore the other islands.
For further information on the Cook Islands please visit www.cookislands.travel
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