The Cook Islands has gained recognition as a top travel destination, notably being named number one by Lonely Planet's "Best in Travel." Despite its popularity, the Cook Islands avoids the problem of overtourism. This is attributed to the nation's focus on sustainable tourism practices writes Morishi Tanaka of Forbes Japan. Read more to discover how the Cook Islands are bucking the trend of overtourism, maintaining their pristine beauty through a unique approach to sustainable tourism.

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Joanna Wane, writing for the New Zealand Herald, captures the special flavor of "island time" in Rarotonga, from the enchanting lagoon to the welcoming smiles of its people. She explores how time seems to slow down on this Pacific island that is more than just white sandy beaches and beautiful resorts.

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"The relaxation therapy begins the moment I arrive at Rarotonga airport to find a ukulele-strumming man singing welcome songs. Local mamas with flower crowns bustle around the baggage carousel introducing travellers to their hotel and transport reps. Soon I’m tootling along the main road – the 32km Ara Tapu, with no traffic lights and speed limits set between 30kmh and 50kmh – heading to my hotel. Within the hour I’m toes in the sand, sun on my face, staring at a world of blues in a palm-lined lagoon. I can feel my muscles and mind unwinding."

Writer Laura DeCook is a well-seasoned traveller, but what special destination keeps calling her back? None other than our own little paradise. Read why "the magic of the island is too special not to share with others" in this curated guide to Rarotonga.

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2024 People’s Choice Awards (PCA) winners were celebrated at a special awards ceremony hosted today in Cabinet Gardens by the Prime Minister, Hon Mark Brown, on World Tourism Day, Friday 27 September 2024.

The Cook Islands has been named one of the top travel destinations in the world by Flight Centre’s FY24 Global Customer Survey. Ranking as the second most recommended country globally with a 93% satisfaction rate, particularly among visitors from New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, Canada, and the UK.

Lonely Planet has announced that the Cook Islands is a winner of the “Best in Travel” award for 2022, which recognises destinations that are both appealing and committed to community, sustainability, and diversity. 

Lonely Planet, which began publishing travel guides nearly a half-century ago, has chosen the Cook Islands to be a recipient of its prestigious “Best in Travel” award for 2022.

The winners of the award, which is entering its 17th year in 2022, are selected from thousands of possible countries, cities, and regions annually. A criterion for 2022 selection was a demonstrated commitment to developing tourism in a manner that considers sustainable practices which conserve natural and cultural resources. 

Mana Tiaki from Cook Islands on Vimeo.