Tourism industry

In December, Cabinet agreed in principle to establish a travel bubble with Australia in the first three months of this year.

While the news was welcomed, those in the tourism industry said they needed to ensure there was enough time to get ready for an influx of overseas visitors.

The managing director of the Scenic Hotel Group, Brendan Taylor, said it would take two to three months for the airlines to ramp up, if the borders reopened.

He said operators needed time to prepare and ensure they have enough staff to cater for incoming guests.

A radio interview with NZ Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on New Zealand’s Newstalk ZB (0740 09/02/20) it seems to indicate the New Zealand Government has not learned from the measles epidemic in Samoa nor have they accepted the criticisms of their own Ministry of Health. And that head in the sand attitude has been continued with this far more deadly new disease.

For the first time the Conference brought together Ministers from Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry and Tourism to participate in this event to help "Mainstream Biodiversity for Well-being".

According to the CBD, the tourism sector accounts for nine per cent of the world's gross domestic product, six percent of exports and contributes directly or indirectly to one in 11 jobs.

Mr Puna says anyone leaving the Cook Islands will now only have to check in and follow the normal security checks before departure.

However, arrival cards will still need to be completed.

Meanwhile, Mr Puna arrives in New Zealand today for a week of events marking the country's 50th anniversary of self government.

It follows gala events on Rarotonga last week.

New Zealand's High Commissioner to Niue, Ross Ardern, says there has been a push by the governments of both New Zealand and Niue to increase tourism in order decrease reliance on remittances and aid money.

He says it appears to be paying off, with the country of 1,500 people on track to reach its goal of 10,000 visitors this year, a significant increase from 4,000 in 2009.

Ardern says this increase has brought a significant cash injection to Niue's economy.

Radio Tonga reports that the Tourism Minister visited Vava'u to analyse some of the activities and infrastructural support on the island.

'Etuate Lavulavu says in order to maximise benefits from the industry, the ministry has planned to review revenue collection licensing and legislation.

He says once this is done, Tonga can raise income while preserving the cultural and environmental aspects of the industry.