The Cook Islands has been named ‘Oceania’s Leading Island Destination’ at the 2026 World Travel Awards, securing the regional title for the fourth consecutive year.
The destination took the award ahead of Fiji, New Caledonia, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, the Islands of Tahiti, Vanuatu and Australia’s Whitsunday Islands.
Winners of the World Travel Awards are determined through votes from tourism professionals and travellers.
Aitutaki received the ‘Oceania’s Leading Island Destination’ title in 2022, before the Cook Islands won in 2023 and retained the award each year since.
Graeme West, Cook Islands Tourism General Manager, said the Australian market had grown significantly in recent years and is expected to account for 26% of visitor arrivals in 2026, compared with 17% before the pandemic.
“Tourism is the backbone of the Cook Islands economy, contributing to more than two-thirds of its GDP,” Mr West said.
New Zealand remains the destination’s largest visitor market, with its share expected to sit at 63% in 2026, compared with around 67% historically.
The award recognises the Cook Islands’ tourism offering across its natural environment, culture, hospitality and visitor experiences, as well as the contribution of local tourism operators and communities.
The 2026 World Travel Awards ceremony was held in the Maldives on September 27.
Australian travellers currently have direct access to Rarotonga with Jetstar operating four weekly flights from Sydney and three from Brisbane.
