The word goes out: Backpackers welcome here
By Feona Mo’ardi Good

Atua Atatika put on his pareu costume, picked up his ukulele and began playing.
He quickly attracted a crowd.
Atuatika and his colleagues hope it will also help attract more of an important type of tourist to the Cook Islands: backpackers.
They have taken their message to a big international backpackers’ expo held in Sydney, Australia. They say all Cook Islanders can benefit from this.
For international research is showing that contrary to an image of being “second-class tourists” backpackers are major contributors to local economies.
This is because they normally stay longer than average tourists. And while they spend less on accommodation they pump money into the local economy. This is through eating in local restaurants, drinking in local bars and nightclubs, enjoying local experiences and using local transport.
Atatika, from Roes Accommodation, and Marion Estall, from Arerenga Motel, represented Cook Islands Backpackers Association at the International Backpackers Expo.
They joined the Cook Islands Tourism Corporation Australian Rep Mereana Taruia in promoting the Cook Islands as a welcoming destination and worthwhile experience for backpackers.
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The Sydney expo was part of joint efforts by Cook Islands Backpackers Association and Cook Islands Tourism Corporation to make sure Cook Islands gets its share of this fast-growing market.
The small team said it was a time to share the Cook Islands culture with the backpackers’ world, letting them know this is one of the best destinations to travel to.
Estall sewed head eis and gave them out as gifts showing the Cook Islands greeting to all guests.
Overall the Cook Islands team enjoyed themselves saying they were happy they were able to get their message out.
This is that these are beautiful tropical islands in the Pacific with many activities for visitors to enjoy. And backpackers are more than welcome.

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