Jetstar ups flights to Cook Islands as Pacific tourism booms

Muri Lagoon at sunrise from an aerial or birds eye view in Rarotonga the main island in the Cook Islands

The Cook Islands has risen the ranks to one of the most in demand tourist destinations for Australians, and Jetstar is making the most of the rush by increasing its year round non-stop services from Sydney to Rarotonga from two to three times a week during peak times.

Jetstar’s first non-stop flight from Sydney commences on 29 June, with one-way fares between Sydney and Rarotonga starting from AU$369 for select travel dates between 29 June and 31 October 2023.

The overnight flight departs Sydney on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays at 9.30pm arriving in Rarotonga at 7.00am the same day, return flights leave Rarotonga at 9.00am arriving in Sydney at 12.30pm the following day.

Cook Islands Prime Minister and minister of tourism, Mark Brown welcomed news of a third weekly Jetstar operated flight between Sydney and Rarotonga.

“Our continuing journey on the path to economic recovery will be assisted by these additional flights from Australia during peak seasons,” Brown said.

“My government is committed to doing what we can to help fast-track our economy back to pre-COVID levels and it’s great to see Jetstar assisting in this space by allowing more Aussies and Cook Islanders living in Australia, the ability to visit with their direct flight from Sydney.”

Jetstar will fly to the Cook Islands more in 2023! (Supplied)

Graeme West, GM Australasia Cook Islands tourism, said the addition of a third weekly direct service, was welcome news to locals eager to see Australian visitation numbers increase to pre-pandemic levels.

“Most Cook Islands tour operators rely on international visitation to sustain their businesses. Everyone from hoteliers to water and land operators, to restaurants and cultural experiences are thrilled with the news of Jetstar’s increased flights, supporting tourism growth.”

Alan McIntyre, chief customer office, Jetstar, added: “There’s been so much excitement about the launch of our new direct flights between Australia and the Cook Islands that we’ve decided to add a third return service a week during peak travel periods.

“Bookings are strong ahead of our inaugural flight from Sydney to Rarotonga on the 29^th of June, as families prepare to escape to this tropical paradise during Australia’s cooler months.

“The newest aircraft in our fleet, the A321neo LR, will be used to operate this service and we are appreciative of the ongoing support of the Cook Islands Government.”

The Cook Islands are located halfway between Australia and Hawaii, with a flight duration of approximately six hours non-stop.

Made up of 15 islands, Rarotonga and Aitutaki are the most visited destinations on the Cook Islands where guests can experience the most beautiful lagoons in the world, while immersing themselves in local culture, cuisine and adventure.

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Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

Alan McIntyre cook islands Graeme West jetstar Mark Brown