The Cook Islands aims to attract more tourists in 2023 with the launch of two new routes.

Hawaiian Airlines will operate a weekly flight between Honolulu and Rarotonga from May 2023, with fares available to book from December 7.

Meanwhile, Jetstar will begin operating a twice weekly flight from Sydney to Rarotonga from June, with fares available to book now.

Prime minister of the Cook Islands Mark Brown said the additional routes were key to the small island nation as tourism is the “backbone of the economy, contributing 75% of GDP”.

“The new services provide a major boost to our tourism sector and the financial impact for local tourism operators and the nation is significant,” he said.

“We are delighted that Hawaiian Airlines and Jetstar are making this commitment to the Cook Islands.”