The impact of the global recession on Pacific economies is to be the hot topic for Foreign Minister Murray McCully this week.

Mr McCully will travel to the Cook Islands on Wednesday for a three day visit, which will include a meeting with Prime Minister Jim Marurai.

Mr McCully says the issue of how small island states can shield themselves from the worst of the global downturn will be the main item on the agenda when he meets with political and business leaders. He says an area of particular concern is the downturn in tourism, a mainstay for the Cook Islands' economy.