Holiday hotspot bookings soar with new direct flights

Perth Now

2 days ago

If your ideal holiday includes warm tropical weather, relaxation and crystal clear water, then there is a new holiday destination that Aussies are adding to their wish list.
Located about halfway between Australia and Hawaii is the Cook Islands, which Flight Centre Travel Group's leisure CEO James Kavanagh have deemed 'the new Tahiti'.
Locals have described Rarotonga (the largest of the 15 islands that make up the nation) as 'what Hawaii was 50 years ago', while others say it's a great alternative to Bali and Fiji without the crowds.
The Cook Islands have cemented their status as one of Australia's fastest-growing holiday escapes, with new figures showing leisure bookings to the Pacific paradise have soared 28 per cent in the first half of the year.
Often touted as a more affordable, closer-to-home alternative to Tahiti, the island nation is luring couples, families and retirees with its blend of crystal-clear waters, soft-sand beaches and a laid-back pace that still offers plenty to do.
'We've seen a significant increase in Australians heading to the Cook Islands,' Mr Kavanagh said.
'It's the perfect destination, enough activities to keep the whole family busy, but quiet enough for couples looking for a restful retreat.'
Jetstar is now capitalising on the surge in demand, announcing it will launch its first-ever direct Brisbane–Rarotonga route from May next year, joining its already sold-out Sydney service, which began in 2023.
The new flights will cut travel time from up to 20 hours with layovers to just five hours, opening up the possibility of quick long-weekend getaways.
From next year, Jetstar will operate four Sydney flights and three Brisbane flights weekly, offering a record 110,000 seats annually to and from the Cook Islands. Current sale fares start at $279 one-way from Sydney.
While Rarotonga remains the top draw, many couples continue on to Aitutaki — a tiny island of just 1800 people and home to a lagoon often ranked among the world's most beautiful.
Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown says tourism is 'the backbone' of the country's economy, accounting for about 75 per cent of GDP.
'We're always ready to welcome Australian visitors with open arms and warm smiles,' he said.
Australian flight search engine Webjet also reports a 7 per cent increase in searches and a 1 per cent rise in bookings since last year, underscoring the Cook Islands' rise as a rival to Bali, Fiji and Hawaii in the Aussie travel stakes.