Tasmania named the world's most desirable island by travellers

Tasmania has been awarded Gold in the Most Desirable Island (World) catergory at the 2026 Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards, one of the world's largest consumer-voted travel awards.

Minister for Tourism, Hospitality and Events, Roger Jaensch, said the award was a powerful endorsement of Tasmania's appeal among international travellers.

"This award belongs to all the Tasmanians who work hard every day to create great experiences that people remember fondly long after they return home,” Minister Jaensch said.

"To be recognised as the world's most desirable island by travellers themselves is a remarkable achievement.

"It reflects everything that makes Tasmania special: our wild landscapes, welcoming communities, exceptional food and drink, unique wildlife, and the sense of discovery people experience when they visit.

"This is a wonderful acknowledgement of the quality and authenticity of Tasmania's visitor experience.

"Every tourism operator, guide, hospitality worker, producer and volunteer who helps showcase Tasmania has contributed to this result.

“Through our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future we’re increasing the value of tourism while benefiting communities across the State.”

Published by UK travel magazine Wanderlust, the Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards are voted on by hundreds of thousands of travellers and recognise the world's most desirable destinations, cities, regions and travel experiences.

In recent years, the awards have attracted more than 240,000 voters and millions of votes across multiple categories.

The awards are widely regarded as a measure of consumer appeal and destination reputation among highly engaged international travellers.