By James Wilkinson
The Cook Islands’ leading accommodation operator, Pacific Resort Hotel Group, is welcoming Virgin Australia’s decision to commence direct Christchurch-Rarotonga flights from mid 2016.
The new services will give Cantabrians direct weekly flights to Rarotonga from 25 June 2016 to 8 October 2016 and the services will means thousands more visitors to the Cook Islands.
“This announcement is great news for the Cook Islands tourism industry,” Pacific Resort Hotel Group’s Chief Operating Officer, Marcus Niszow, told HM.
“The south island of New Zealand has always been an important contributor to visitor arrivals into the Cook Islands therefore this move by Virgin Australia makes perfect sense and we anticipate this additional direct access capacity will provide a welcome and significant boost to demand over the winter season.
“Flight schedules are traveller friendly and the key to success will be to build consumer awareness around this new service among South Islanders so we can make this service a resounding success for all key stakeholders,” he said.
Virgin Australia Chief Commercial Officer, Judith Crompton, said the new service makes it easy for holidaymakers from Christchurch and the South Island to visit the Cook Islands.
“The Cook Islands is a wonderful holiday destination and we are delighted to introduce the only non-stop service from Christchurch,” Crompton said.
“With up to five flights each week already operating between Auckland and Rarotonga, this new service from Christchurch ensures more New Zealanders can conveniently explore this beautiful part of the world.
“Our flights between Christchurch and Rarotonga will feature our award-winning Business Class, with luxury leather seating and menus designed by our resident head chef Luke Mangan,” she said.
Fares are now on sale, with a celebratory launch one-way fare of NZD$299 available for purchase from today, 26 November until 28 November 2015.
