Cooking up a cure

‘Thanks but no thanks' has been the attitude of the Cook Islands to the global downturn - Tourism Minister Wilkie Rasmussen has announced the islands will not be taking part in the recession - and strong growth is indeed being witnessed in visitor numbers...

The Government of the Cook Islands has officially decided not to take part in the worldwide recession, claiming that they are ‘recession free.'

The Cook Islands consist of 15 islands with a total population of around 19,000, scattered over two million square kilometres of the Pacific Ocean.

They lie in the Centre of the Polynesian Triangle, flanked to the west by The Kingdom of Tonga and the Samoas and to the east by Tahiti and the islands of French Polynesia.

Tourism makes up a whopping portion of the islands's GDP - more than 67 per cent - so protecting this lucrative sector from the downturn was vital to the economy.

Despite most other countries facing daily doom and gloom, the Cook Islands have reported sustained bookings and areas of growth in their tourism industry and new operators opening businesses.

They have also started a witty website about their ‘recession free oasis' with advice on how to ‘avoid recessionary thoughts entering your headspace,' and ‘how to chill out.'

Air New Zealand Deputy Chief Executive Norm Thompson said that the Cook Islands were the company's number one Pacific island destination.

"We are seeing strong interest and growth in bookings for flights to the Cook Islands despite slow-downs in other markets," said Mr Thompson.

Tourism Minister Wilkie Rasmussen announced the Government's decision not to take part in the recession after the submission was presented to Parliament earlier this month.

"As industries around the world feel the weight of the current economic global recession and the international effects of slowing economies and cautious consumers, the Cook Islands is seeing local businesses grow, new businesses open and offshore investment increase.

"The country is using its financial growth as a marketing tool and inviting people to visit the ‘world's first recession-free oasis.

"Everyone is tired of hearing about the global economic doom and gloom.

"Travellers are now being given the opportunity to escape the recession by coming to a country where it doesn't exist," Mr Rasmussen added.

And here's a bit of advice for you from the Cook Island's ‘recession free oasis' website: ‘If u detect a recessionary thought approaching, immediately alert a waiter and order a cocktail.'

Picture by Benedict.adam