The Cook Islands tourism sector is gearing up for its biennial celebration of innovation, sustainability, and service excellence. The 2025 Air New Zealand Cook Islands Tourism Awards have unveiled a diverse group of finalists, showcasing the best of the industry—from boutique accommodations and eco-resorts to cultural experience providers and community-driven initiatives.
This year’s selection process emphasized not only business performance but also contributions to environmental stewardship, cultural preservation, and community engagement. Finalists were chosen through a rigorous evaluation conducted by independent assessors, with a strong focus on aligning with the Cook Islands' Kia Orana values and long-term tourism strategy.
The Motu Beachfront Art Villas, one of the project partners for our solar and hydrogen energy project on Rarotonga, has been announced as finalist in two categories: the CITC Environment Award and the Bank South Pacific Business Excellence Award - Under $2 Million.
The GNZCC is currently undertaking a feasibility study to explore the potential of solar energy and green hydrogen as renewable power sources for the Motu Beachfront Art Villas, Kent Community Hall, and Titikaveka College. As part of this initiative, smart meters have been installed to monitor energy consumption, providing valuable data for system modelling and optimization. A quick sustainability win has already been achieved: the smart meters helped identify and resolve water leaks in one of the buildings, resulting in both water and energy savings. This early success highlights the practical benefits of integrating smart technology into energy systems. GNZCC is proud to support the Cook Islands in its journey toward a cleaner, more sustainable future, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and embracing renewable and green energy solutions.
The awards ceremony taking place on 27 September at the National Auditorium Domes will bring together industry leaders, government representatives, and community stakeholders to honour those who are shaping the future of tourism in the Cook Islands.
We extend our warmest congratulations to all the finalists and wish everyone the best of luck - but we’re especially cheering for Motu Beachfront Art Villas, with whom we’re proud to be partnering on a renewable energy project that supports sustainability and community empowerment in the Cook Islands.