Business operators in the Cook Islands are to meet this afternoon amid strong criticism of the Tourism Office board following the sudden resignations of two key staff members.
The acting chief executive of Cook Islands Tourism, Glenda Tuaine, resigned yesterday and the office's New Zealand marketing manager, Chris Ingram, left the organisation last week.
Local reports say they have spoken of interference by the board chair, Tata Crocombe.
Rohan Ellis, who is the group general manager of the Rarotongan Resorts Management Ltd, says both employees were stellar performers and the tourism industry wants to know why they've gone.
"Had they had questionable performance in the past, you know, everybody would have sided with the board of directors, however these two directors have delivered fantastic results in all the results they have undertaken and the industry is rallying behind these two professionals."
Rohan Ellis
