The Cook Islands has been named Oceania’s Leading Island Destination at the 2026 World Travel Awards (WTA), the fourth consecutive year it has won the title. The result comes as Cook Islands Tourism reports that Australia’s share of visitor arrivals has grown well above pre-pandemic levels.
The awards were presented at a gala ceremony in the Maldives on 27 September 2026.
Australian share of arrivals reaches 26 per cent
Cook Islands Tourism General Manager Graeme West said Australians are expected to account for 26 per cent of Cook Islands visitor arrivals in 2026, up from 17 per cent before the pandemic.
New Zealand remains the largest source market. Its share is expected to fall to 63 per cent in 2026, from a historical level of about 67 per cent, as Australian visitation grows.
West said tourism contributes more than two-thirds of the Cook Islands’ gross domestic product.
For Australian advisors, the shift shows the destination is gaining ground with Australian travellers, supported by direct flights from the east coast. Jetstar operates four weekly flights from Sydney to Rarotonga and three weekly flights from Brisbane.
Cook Islands beats Pacific rivals
The Cook Islands won the 2026 title ahead of:
- Fiji
- New Caledonia
- Palau
- Papua New Guinea
- Solomon Islands
- The Islands of Tahiti
- Vanuatu
- the Whitsunday Islands
The destination has a consistent record in the category. Aitutaki was named Oceania’s Leading Island Destination in 2022, and the Cook Islands has held the title every year since 2023.
WTA winners are decided by votes from tourism professionals and travellers. The awards were established in 1993.
