Carl elected new chairman of Cook Islands Tourism Industry Council

The Cook Islands Tourism Industry Council has elected Lagoon Breeze Villas owner Tere Carr as its new chairman for the 2024-2025 financial year.

The AGM on Wednesday also elected new executive committee members: BSP Bank country manager Chris Doran and Island Hotels CEO Andrew Whittaker as co-vice presidents; Island Styles Rarotonga hotel owner Bianca Whittaker as secretary; and Palm Grove Resort owner Betsy Eisler as treasurer.

Outgoing Tourism Industry Board Chair Liana Scott has been elected to the 2024/25 Executive Committee, alongside Stephen Doherty, Chris Greig, Sabine Janneck, Kristina Lewis, Ross McLaughlan, Tim Meyer, Maeva Rongo and Barry Wiezman.

In an interview with the Cook Islands News, new President Carr acknowledged the work of her predecessor and added that she would face great challenges in this financial year.

“It has been a huge responsibility for me to serve on the board over the past year and I look forward to taking over the role that Lianna will leave behind,” Carr said.

“Leanna has done a great job and it has been a great experience and now it is our turn to make sure everyone in the department is looked after and I am really looking forward to the challenge and new responsibilities.”

Carr said the immediate focus was on the potential challenges the industry would face under the new water prices being implemented.

“Obviously this will impact the industry as a whole and it’s a very concerning issue so we’ll see how the industry addresses this in the future.”

Meanwhile, Scott presented his Chairman’s Report at the AGM, detailing the many meetings, discussions, recommendations and initiatives undertaken by the Tourism Industry Council’s Executive Committee during the 23/24 financial year on behalf of the 187 tourism industry businesses it represents.

Annual financial reports and audited accounts are also provided to members.

After reviewing the minutes of the 22/23 AGM, outgoing Vice President Brent Hayden led the nomination and election of new officers and Executive Committee members for the 24/25 fiscal year.

Scott also expressed sincere gratitude to outgoing executive committee members Brent Hayden, Robert Skews and Anna Aitken.

She also thanked the businesses and associations that have helped and supported the CITIC Executive Committee and members over the past year: Air Rarotonga provided flights for Pa Enua representative Maria Henry to attend monthly meetings in Rarotonga; Edgewater Resort, the Chamber of Commerce, Muri Beach Club Hotel and Ocean Escape provided venues for Executive Committee meetings and Members’ Meetings.

The CITIC Executive Committee and membership recognized Scott for his outstanding leadership for the industry during his four-year tenure as CITIC President.

“We are sad to see her step down but are pleased that she will remain on the committee next year,” CITIC said.