MAHI TAAPOI
Sustainable Tourism Development
A number of initiatives were undertaken under the TMPIAP to develop and enhance tourism businesses including:
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setting up the accreditation scheme for tourism operators; -
business advice and development assistance services;
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Tapa flowers value added marketing;
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Mitiaro Homestay Appraisal and Assistance;
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Aitutaki vaka cruises safety equipment; and
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a labelling scheme for locally produced crafts.
Accreditation scheme
Prior to the TMPIAP tourism accommodation was licensed by the General Licensing Authority. There was significant disatisfaction among the industry with the system both in terms of the way it was operated and the costs involved.
The TMPIAP project began with a review of the existing tourism licensing standards. These were completely replaced with a shift from licensing to a voluntary accreditation scheme administered by Tourism Cook Islands (now Cook Island Tourism Corporation). The scheme began operation under a joint Tourism Cook Islands/Tourism Industry Council committee.
Initial development focused on accommodation with full coverage of the accommodation sector achieved by April 1997. All the other sectors, including transport, tours, guides, restaurants, retailers etc. were then addressed. While voluntary the scheme has some leverage. For example, accreditation is a precondition for inclusion in Cook Islands marketing, grants and other tourism activities.
Tourism Business Development
The “Headstart” feasibility study grant scheme provides funding up to $5000 (and up to 80% of the cost) for feasibility studies for new tourism businesses. The scheme is administered through the Cook Islands Development Bank. A initial pool of $75,000 was made available and provision for further funding was made.
The “Tourism Business Initiative” followed on from the “Headstart” scheme and was designed to promote new tourism businesses and support the development of existing small tourism business through business advice. It took a proactive approach to stimulating new enterprises with a strong emphasis on nurturing new entrepreneurs through the difficult initial phase of operation. An experienced small business adviser has been employed to work on the project who was based in Tourism Cook Islands. The project also provided training courses in association with Tourism Cook Islands.
TMPIAP: Business and product development
Copyright Mahi Taapoi, 2008-12. All Rights Reserved.
Mahi Taapoi is the specialist tourism arm of Dialogue Consultants Ltd, Auckland, Aotearoa-New Zealand
Tapa flowers value added marketing
This project used the tapa flowers made by women in Atiu in a project to assess the benefits which could be achieved for producers through a value-adding strategy. The flowers were individually packaged, branded and test marketed at hotels on Rarotonga and other selected outlets.
Mitiaro Homestay Appraisal and Assistance
Technical assistance to establish the feasibility of setting up an island stay operation on Mitiaro as a pilot for other Southern Group islands. The project included an assessment of the potential to base a complete visitor package for the Island including accommodation and entertainment (visit to the swimming cave, the lake as well as an umukai and dancing). The assessment was favourable and further support was provided both under the Programme and through Tourism Cook Islands’ product development activities.
Aitutaki vaka cruises safety equipment
A range of safety equipment, including VHF radios, flares, and lifejackets was provided to help the vaka clubs at Arutanga, Tautu, and Vaipae on Aitutaki establish a vaka cruising service on the Aitutaki lagoon. The safety equipment enabled up to six vaka to be operated on the lagoon at one time, through a central booking office and co-operative, roster-based system.
Cooks Islands Crafts Labelling Scheme
A labelling scheme for Cook Islands crafts has been developed to identify locally produced handicrafts from imports which were widely distributed on Rarotonga - even in the shops of the up-market hotels. The scheme is part of a broader programme to enhance the quality of Cook Islands goods and services and add value for local producers.