By Carmela Calling
Cook Islands Tourism (CIT) has outlined an initiative that could transform Atiu, the territory’s third-largest island, into a new tourist attraction.
Speaking to Cook Islands News, CIT industry development manager Tina Kae shared that she recently travelled in Atiu and noticed that there are many opportunities to make it a well-known global destination.
Laid-back island has tourism potential
Atiu is not as famous as other places in the Cook Islands such as Rarotonga or Aitutaki because it is a smaller, more remote island with a slower pace of life and limited tourism infrastructure, making it an ‘off the beaten path’ type of destination.
“Atiu remains less developed than Rarotonga and Aitutaki. But now, we see an enormous potential for its growth in a way that aligns with the island’s unique character,” Kae said.
“Atiu is for travellers interested in adventure and the outdoors, with its underground worlds and cliffs and jungles and pig hunts. It’s a place where boredom is not an option.
“What makes it more special is that the locals are good at making delicacies with root crops and fruits that are from here too.”
The first area to be improved in Atiu will be its rich cultural sites, especially those focused on the formation of fascinating rocks and odd-shaped trees.
Following that, investment will aim to honour Atiu’s traditional name of Enua Manu, meaning ‘the land of the birds’.
In particular, the Kopeka is “a bird you won’t find anywhere else in the word, which nests in sprawling subterranean caves“, according to Kae.
READ MORE: Michelin Guide 2026 to shine spotlight on Filipino cuisine
Ren Azrack Escosio 
Jheruleene Anne Ramos