Cook Island businesses are ready to welcome back New Zealand tourists with open arms.

It's all go from May 17.

Air New Zealand will have flights going between Rarotonga and New Zealand two or three times a week - with no pre-departure test needed.

The Rarotongan Beach Resort's managing director Tata Crocombe says they're thrilled to finally have a travel date.

"We're actually finally moving forward. Our economy is 85 percent dependent on tourism, and we've been doing it tough."

He says news of a bubble will save a number of businesses.

"We are probably weeks away from mass redundancies, mass bankruptcy, and the Government coming under financial pressure."

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