New Zealand Travel Agent Wins South Pacific Trip

New Zealand short-haul reservations consultant, Felicity Alquist of GO Holidays in Auckland has won an eight-night trip to the Cook Islands for completing the South Pacific Specialist program.

The South Pacific Specialist program which is implemented by the South Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO), teamed up with the Cook Islands Tourism Marketing Corporation (CITMC) to entice travel agents to complete the online specialist program and increase awareness on Pacific island destinations like Cook Islands through the program.

“Super excited to be plucked from this draw. Cook Islands are one of my favourite island destinations so I can't wait to head back for another visit and a tan. I can't wait to experience all four properties as the last time I saw Nautilus, it was still under construction and I am yet to even view Rumours and Sea Change Villas, Ms. Alquist quipped.

“Being a South Pacific Specialist had definitely helped in increasing my knowledge of the region. This has helped greatly in selling as I can be more confident in knowing that I can sell the best suitable option for the client's requirement,” she added.

She said she “definitely recommends completing the training programme to become a South Pacific Specialist. This gives you a greater in-depth knowledge to increase your sales and ensure your clients feel confident you know exactly what you are selling is the best fit for their holiday”.

SPTO Chief Executive Chris Cocker in congratulating Felicity Alquist stated “It is very enlightening to hear first-hand our South Pacific Specialist program being promoted within the tourism industry by travel agents who are keen to know more about our Pacific island destinations and sell these holidays to their clients.”

“Our program is designed to engage travel agents to better understand our 16 island nation destinations and 5 top niche products to be in a better position to sell our holidays”, he continued.

“We'd like to congratulate Ms. Alquist on winning this prize and we wish her an enjoyable trip in experiencing the wonder of a little paradise in beautiful Cook Islands,” he added.

The prize includes stay at some of Cook Island's iconic resorts; Pacific Resort Raratonga; Rumours Luxury Villas & Spa Rarotonga; Sea Change Villa and Nautilius Resort with special transport and tours by Cook Islands Tours and Captain Tamas.

The competition which began in May 16th and ended June 30th, 2016 was open to all travel agents, including currently certified South Pacific Specialists. A total of 128 agents were registered and 18 certify during the competition period.

ENDS