Why is tourism important to the Cook Islands economy?

Tourism is the most significant contributor to the economy of the Cook Islands, serving as the largest single component of the nation's service sector.12

The industry relies on international visitors, primarily arriving from New Zealand, Australia, the United States, Canada, and Europe. On Rarotonga, the country's largest island, the tourist industry is a major economic pillar, with the local airport serving as a primary gateway for international arrivals. This reliance on tourism is essential for the islands' financial stability, complementing other economic activities such as international finance, agriculture, and government services.12