Negotiating Wellbeing and Tourism: A Reorientation Process in the Cook Islands

Susanne Becken (), Sieni Tiraa and Sera Vada
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Susanne Becken: Department of Tourism, Sport and Hotel Management, Griffith University, Southport, QLD 4222, Australia
Sieni Tiraa: Te Puna Vai Marama, Rarotonga P.O. Box 130, Cook Islands
Sera Vada: Department of Tourism, Sport and Hotel Management, Griffith University, Southport, QLD 4222, Australia

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 3, 1-19

Abstract: Tourism growth in the Cook Islands is broadly supported by residents, but evidence of social and environmental harm is mounting. This study examines the role that tourism plays in the dynamic processes of disorientation and reorientation related to tourism development in three islands: Rarotonga, Aitutaki, and Mitiaro. A total of 102 interviews were conducted at a critical juncture where Cook Islanders reflected on the pre-COVID-19 tourism boom and the subsequent shock of border closures. The findings highlight the undeniable economic dominance of tourism and opportunities for individual livelihoods. However, residents expressed that these must not come at the cost of other types of wellbeing, especially in tourism-heavy Rarotonga. A reorientation towards greater connectedness with culture, each other, and local environments was seen as essential. Cook Islanders expressed a need to take control of tourism in ways that are community-driven, balanced across economic/financial, physical, social, spiritual, and mental wellbeing, and in harmony with local carrying capacities.

Keywords: Pacific Islands; wellbeing; community; culture; traditional practises; reorientation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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