Cook Islands to offer homestay
One of the Cook Islands most remote sister islands, Mitiaro, has opened the first of its homestay accommodation options.
The island now offers three homestay kikau huts hosted by local Mitiaro families.
The homestay development, initiated by Cook Islands Tours and the Mitiaro community with the support of Cook Islands Tourism, is the only accommodation option on the island – a 45 minute flight from the capital Rarotonga.
Each villa has one or two bedrooms, shower and toilet facilities and guests are catered for by the hosting family.
Seven more huts and a two-bedroom family unit are due to open within the next three years.
Local fresh food served to guests will include seafood and yams.
Mitiaro is the only island of the 15 that make up the Cook Islands to offer homestay accommodation.
"For the people of Mitiaro this is a unique form of tourism and a true point of difference from the sister islands," says Metua Vaimene, special projects manager for Cook Islands Tourism.
"Homestays are a sustainable way for the 180 Mitiaro locals to preserve their distinctive rural lifestyle, their history and the culture of this precious little place.
"There are less than 10 cars on Mitiaro and the pace of life is something that deserves to be cherished and needs to be protected. Homestay accommodation ensures these remain intact."
Ian Jarrett
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