Spatial Variations of Tourism - Cook Islands
27 10 2008
Now that you have spent some time looking for spatial variations using maps of Rarotonga, you need to record some of your findings.
Choose one of the following variations and write a comment to this post that describes the variation and explains why the variation exists. I have submitted a comment about a variation at Aitutaki as an example.
-
- Avarua vs Muri
- Southern vs Rest of coast
- Periphery vs Interior
- Distribution of accommodation types
Automatic updates for this site
Western vs Eastern coast
A spatial variation of tourism development in Aitutaki is the intensity of development on the western coast of the main island compared to the eastern coast. The western coast contains the vast majority of accommodation, attractions and support services. The western coast has around 15 accommodation providers whereas , eg Tamanu Hotel and the Pacific Resort, whereas the eastern coast has just one, Aitutaki lodges. The spit at the north east tip of the island has a small cluster of accommodation just south of the airport runway.
The reasons for this variation are the aesthetic appeal and amenity value of the lagoon and the existing infrastructure on the western coast. The lagoon is around 800 wide off the western coast with deep turquoise water, this makes it ideal for the primary attraction of water-based activities like swimming and snorkeling, whereas the lagoon on the eastern side gives way to extensive mudflats at low tide, tourists do not find this appealing. Most of Aitutaki’s population lives in the settlements of Arutanga and Amuri on the western coast. Consequently, most of the support services and facilities such as electricity, water, banking and retail are located here. This has made it much easier for operators to develop accommodation and tourism businesses here, such as Aitutaki Scuba and Crusher Bar.