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.

“This award reflects the hard work of everyone across our tourism sector, from accommodation providers and tour operators to our airline partners. Above all, it recognises our people, whose warm hospitality makes the Cook Islands what it is.

“Following our Te Iki'anga a te Iti Tangata - People’s Choice Awards on Friday 25 September, where we celebrated the people who make our tourism industry so special, this recognition feels even more meaningful.

“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.

Te Marama o te Manava Tūroto – Tourism Month

Te Marama o te Manava Tūroto – Tourism Month celebrates Te Iki’anga a te Iti Tangata (People’s Choice Awards), Vaine Manava Tūroto o te Marama (Tourism Woman of the Month) and Te Arata’a o te Pae Tūroto (Youth Tourism Pathway Programme). Together, these initiatives support Te Mato Manava Tūroto’s wider work under Te Kaveinga Mana Tiaki o te Ipukarea – the Cook Islands Destination Stewardship Plan.

For more information, visit cookislands.travel/tourism-month.

About the World Travel Awards

Established in 1993, the World Travel Awards acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the global travel and tourism industry. Winners are determined through voting by travel and tourism professionals and consumers worldwide.

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For Media Enquiries Contact
Kelly Hansen

Te Mato Manava Tūroto — Cook Islands Tourism Corporation

E: [email protected]   P: 87 896

About Te Mato Manava Tūroto

Te Mato Manava Tūroto (Cook Islands Tourism Corporation) is the national tourism organisation responsible for destination marketing and tourism development in the Cook Islands. It works with industry, government and communities to promote the destination, strengthen tourism capability and enhance the visitor experience. Building on this role, the corporation is placing greater emphasis on destination stewardship, supporting the industry's long-term success while caring for the culture, environment and communities that make the Cook Islands unique.