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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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.

The Cook Islands has won the highly acclaimed “Best in Travel” award for 2022 from leading travel brand Lonely Planet, which began publishing the popular Lonely Planet travel guide books nearly a half-century ago.

Lonely Planet’s founder, Tony Wheeler, once described the lagoon of Aitutaki as “the world’s most beautiful lagoon”. Now, the prestigious international award his brand built is recognising the broader Cook Islands as the number-one country to visit in 2022.