Lonely Planet has revealed its list of the hottest destinations around the world for its Best in Travel list 2022, with the Cook Islands topping the bill as the number one country to visit.

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 next year.

Chosen for its topicality, unique experiences, 'wow' factor and its ongoing commitment to sustainable tourism practices, the Judges particularly applauded the Cook Islands for its creation of Marae Moana, one of the largest marine parks in the world, plus the establishment and encouragement of the Mana Tiaki Eco Certification Programme, which recognises those who in the tourism industry practice sustainable best practices.

Located between New Zealand and Hawaii, the Cook Islands comprise 15 islands, occupying two million square miles of the Pacific Ocean. Lined with palm trees and framed with bright blue skies, the unspoilt white sand beaches provide a perfect tropical landscape, whilst underwater it is home to 130 different types of coral, 600 fish species, turtles, reef sharks, whales and dolphins.

Its size allows travellers easy access to adventures, community events, and authentic connections with local people. Hospitality is ancient practice in the islands and visitors often remark that the people and community were highlights of the travel experience.

 “We're excited to be chosen for this award, especially after a global pandemic,” says Karla Eggelton, Director of Global Sales & Marketing at Cook Islands Tourism Corporation. “We see the award as a great launching pad for when travel opens again in 2022.”

While tourism was steadily increasing to the Cook Islands before the coronavirus became a global pandemic, the South Pacific paradise remains largely unknown in much of the world.

Since the country's borders closed in 2020 to prevent Covid-19 entering, the Cook Islands people shifted their focus to initiatives and programmes that ensured its primary industry would be ready to welcome visitors back after an extended hiatus, but this time with the advantage of a little more foresight.

Cook Islands Tourism Corporations, Chief Executive Officer, Halatoa Fua announced, “We are hugely honoured to have received this accolade from Lonely Planet. It has come as we continue to prepare and look forward to welcoming visitors back to our little piece of paradise and a time when we can once again share our authentic culture and pristine environment.”

For more information on the Cook Islands go to https://cookislands.travel/uk

Click here for a video on the Marae Moana

Click here for image library.

The new Lonely Planet Best in Travel 2022 guidebook is available now at all good book shops or online at www.lonelyplanet.com