Position: Industry Development Coordinator
Division: Destination Development
Reports to: Industry Development Manager
Location: Rarotonga, Cook Islands
Deadline: Thursday 6 August 2026, 5pm CKT
Applications to: [email protected]

Tourism is built by people.

Across the Cook Islands, our operators, businesses and industry partners help shape the visitor experience every day. The Industry Development team supports that work by keeping operators informed, connected and supported with practical tools, training, updates and programmes.

As Industry Development Coordinator, you’ll help deliver the work that sits behind a stronger tourism industry. You’ll assist with operator engagement, workshops, quality assurance, industry communications, workforce initiatives, reporting, digital updates and project coordination.

This role is for someone who enjoys working with people, organising moving parts and helping things run smoothly. You do not need to know everything from day one. What matters is that you are practical, reliable, willing to learn and interested in supporting the people and businesses behind tourism.

About The Role

The Industry Development Coordinator supports the delivery of programmes and services for the Cook Islands tourism industry.

This is a hands-on coordination role. You may be helping organise a workshop, preparing an industry update, following up with an operator, supporting quality assurance activity, gathering feedback, updating records, assisting with website or content updates, or helping the team prepare for a project deadline.

You will work closely with the Industry Development Manager and the wider Destination Development team to help make sure industry-facing work is organised, clear and useful for the people it is meant to support.

How This Role Makes An Impact

This role helps make tourism support easier to access and easier to understand.

When operators receive clear information, workshops are well organised, quality assurance work is supported and industry feedback is captured, the whole sector benefits.

Your work will help strengthen industry relationships, support better visitor experiences, improve communication with operators and contribute to a more capable and connected tourism sector.

What You Will Be Doing

Industry Engagement
Help maintain regular contact with tourism operators, industry members and delivery partners through updates, meetings, site visits and follow-ups.

Workshops And Training Support
Assist with organising workshops, training sessions, business support activities and other learning opportunities for the sector.

Quality Assurance Support
Support quality assurance activities that help strengthen visitor experience, safety, service standards and business readiness.

Workforce Development
Assist with tourism career pathways, internships, school engagement and initiatives that encourage Cook Islanders into the industry.

Industry Communications
Help prepare industry updates, EDM content, key messages, notices and other information for tourism operators and partners.

Digital And Content Support
Assist with website updates, online content, simple digital communications and keeping industry-facing information clear and current.

Research And Feedback
Support surveys, collect feedback, update records and help gather information that informs industry support.

Project Coordination
Help coordinate timelines, meetings, documents, reporting, procurement, invoices, contractors and follow-ups where needed.

About You

We are looking for someone organised, approachable, professional and practical.

You may already be working in tourism, hospitality, business support, customer service, administration, events, training, communications, digital content, project coordination or stakeholder engagement. You may also bring strong local knowledge, experience working with people, or a good understanding of how tourism businesses operate.

You do not need to have a perfect background on paper. This role will suit someone who communicates clearly, follows through, enjoys helping people and can keep track of the details.

What You Will Bring

The successful applicant will demonstrate:

• Strong communication and relationship-building skills
• Good organisational skills and attention to detail
• Confidence working with tourism operators, partners, stakeholders and internal teams
• The ability to manage tasks, timelines and follow-ups
• A practical, professional and helpful approach
• Strong written communication and proofreading skills
• Confidence using office software, including documents, spreadsheets, email and databases
• An interest in websites, digital content or online communications
• The ability to work independently with guidance
• An interest in tourism, industry support and visitor experience
• A genuine care for the Cook Islands tourism industry

Experience in tourism, hospitality, business support, customer service, training, communications, administration, project coordination, industry engagement, website updates or content creation would be an advantage.

Qualifications And Experience

We are looking for the right mix of practical experience, attitude, skills and willingness to learn.

Experience or capability in tourism, hospitality, business support, customer service, administration, project coordination, stakeholder engagement, communications, digital content, website updates or training would be valuable.

A tertiary degree, or equivalent learning in a related field, would be an advantage, but practical experience, tourism knowledge and transferable skills will also be considered.

Cook Islands Māori would be an advantage.

Why Join Cook Islands Tourism?

This is a chance to support the people and businesses at the heart of the Cook Islands visitor economy.

You will help deliver practical work that keeps the industry informed, connected and supported. Your role will contribute to stronger operator relationships, better industry communication, improved visitor experiences and a more resilient tourism sector.

You will also be joining a team that values collaboration, professionalism, accountability and pride in our islands.

How To Apply

Please submit your CV and cover letter outlining your experience, skills and why you are interested in joining Cook Islands Tourism as Industry Development Coordinator.

Applications should be sent to: [email protected]

Applications close: Thursday 6 August 2026, 5pm CKT