How Much Money Does Cook Islands Make From Tourism?

By Anna Duncan

Cook Islands is a small island nation located in the South Pacific Ocean. Tourism is one of the primary sources of revenue for Cook Islands and it accounts for a significant portion of the country’s GDP. In this article, we will explore how much money Cook Islands makes from tourism.

Tourism in Cook Islands

Cook Islands is a popular tourist destination known for its pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and lush greenery. The country offers a range of activities for tourists such as snorkeling, scuba diving, hiking, and cultural experiences.

According to the Cook Islands Tourism Corporation (CITC), the country welcomed around 160,000 visitors in 2019. This number has been steadily increasing over the years as more and more tourists discover the beauty of Cook Islands.

Tourism Revenue in Cook Islands

Tourism is a significant contributor to Cook Island’s economy. According to data from the World Bank, travel and tourism contributed approximately 35% of Cook Island’s GDP in 2019. This translates to around NZD 400 million (USD 265 million) in revenue.

The majority of tourism revenue comes from accommodation and food services. In fact, CITC reports that around 70% of all visitor spending goes towards these two sectors.

The Impact of COVID-19 on Tourism Revenue

Like many other countries around the world, Cook Islands has been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The country closed its borders to international visitors in March 2020 to prevent the spread of the virus.

This closure has had a severe impact on tourism revenue in Cook Islands. According to CITC, visitor arrivals have dropped by over 95% since March 2020. This has resulted in a loss of millions of dollars in revenue for the country.

Conclusion

Tourism is an essential industry for Cook Islands, and it contributes significantly to the country’s economy. While the COVID-19 pandemic has had a severe impact on tourism revenue in Cook Islands, the country is slowly reopening its borders to international visitors. With its stunning natural beauty and unique culture, Cook Islands will undoubtedly continue to attract tourists from around the world in the years to come.