How tourism in the Cook Islands delivers conservation, cultural preservation and community
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“As Indigenous people of the island, we do care about Mother Nature itself.”
– Arerau Maao, Tour guide
Guardians of the island: tourism rooted in culture and care
In the heart of the Pacific, the island of Aitutaki is showing how tourism can celebrate culture, support communities, and safeguard nature. In this film, we meet Arerau, a local guide, cruise director, and cultural leader whose work connects visitors to Polynesian values. As “the right-hand man” of his chief, he sees tourism not just as an economic engine, but as a platform to showcase respect for the land, the ocean, and the stories that shape island identity.
Tourism is now Aitutaki’s main source of income, but its success depends on balance. Arerau shares how concepts like Mana Tiaki – a sense of guardianship – are woven into every tour.
Together, they’re redefining what sustainable tourism looks like — rooted in heritage, driven by community, and respectful of the environment that makes the Cook Islands so extraordinary.
About the Cook Islands Tourism Corporation
The Cook Islands invites visitors to love their little paradise. Guided by Mana Tiaki, their sacred duty to protect and preserve culture, environment, and community for shared prosperity.
