Cook Islands Named Oceania’s Top Island Destination for Fourth Year

The Cook Islands has been named Oceania's Leading Island Destination 2026 at the World Travel Awards (WTA), marking its fourth consecutive win in the category.

The World Travel Awards recognise and celebrate excellence across the global travel and tourism industry, with winners selected through voting by tourism professionals and consumers worldwide.

“Being named Oceania’s Leading Island Destination gives us a powerful endorsement to share with travellers and trade partners around the world,” says Noeline Mateariki, Director of Sales and Marketing at Te Mato Manava Tūroto (Cook Islands Tourism Corporation).

The Cook Islands was formally recognised at the World Travel Awards Asia, Oceania & Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony 2026, held on 27 September at CROSSROADS Maldives to coincide with World Tourism Day. The event brought together tourism leaders, media and industry representatives from across the region.

Cook Islands operators also recognised

The awards also brought further recognition for the Cook Islands tourism industry, with Pacific Resort Hotel Group properties receiving four awards. Pacific Resort Rarotonga was named Oceania’s Leading Boutique Resort 2026, while Pacific Resort Aitutaki was named both Cook Islands’ Leading Resort 2026 and Cook Islands’ Leading Villa Resort 2026. Little Polynesian was named Cook Islands’ Leading Boutique Hotel 2026.

Te Mato Manava Tūroto congratulates Pacific Resort Hotel Group and its teams on their achievements and the international recognition they bring to the Cook Islands tourism industry