Oceania’s tourism heavyweights have been celebrated overnight as the World Travel Awards Oceania 2025 winners were revealed, announced as part of the 32nd instalment of the World Travel Awards (WTA 2025), whose grand finals’ Gala Ceremony took place at Bahrain’s acclaimed Exhibition World Center on 6 December 2025.
Airlines: Air New Zealand dominates, Qantas lounges secure top spot
Air New Zealand has once again cemented its position as the region’s aviation leader, taking home Oceania’s Leading Airline 2025 and Oceania’s Leading Airline Brand 2025. The national carrier’s strong performance reflects its continued investment in customer experience and network expansion.
Qantas also scored a major win, with its First Lounges in Sydney and Melbourne named Oceania’s Leading Airline Lounge 2025, praised for their elevated dining, design and signature Neil Perry menus.
Air Tahiti rounded out the aviation categories with the title of Oceania’s Leading Regional Airline 2025, while Qantas Magazine secured Oceania’s Leading Inflight Magazine 2025.
Airports & Transport: Melbourne leads the way
Australia proved its strength in infrastructure with Melbourne Airport winning Oceania’s Leading Airport 2025, and neighbouring PARKROYAL Melbourne Airport named Oceania’s Leading Airport Hotel 2025.
Perth also made its mark, with the Aspire Lounge in Terminal 1 International taking out Oceania’s Leading Airport Lounge 2025.
Car rental brands were well represented, with Avis awarded Oceania’s Leading Car Rental Company 2025, and Sixt named Oceania’s Leading Business Car Rental Company 2025.
Destinations: Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific recognised
Oceania’s diverse landscapes and world-class tourism experiences were front and centre across the destination categories.
Australia was crowned Oceania’s Leading Destination 2025, with Tourism Australia also winning Oceania’s Leading Tourist Board 2025.
Melbourne took the accolade for Oceania’s Leading City Destination 2025.
New Zealand was named Oceania’s Leading Adventure Tourism Destination 2025, reflecting its global reputation for adrenaline-fuelled travel.
The Cook Islands claimed Oceania’s Leading Island Destination 2025, while The Islands of Tahiti were honoured as Oceania’s Leading Dive Destination 2025.
Australia’s Red Centre continued its strong awards momentum, with Wintjiri Wiru at Ayers Rock Resort winning Oceania’s Leading Tourist Attraction 2025, and the resort itself scooping Oceania’s Responsible Tourism Award 2025.
Hotels & Resorts: Luxury, sustainability and new openings shine
Across accommodation, the awards showcased a mix of iconic stays, boutique gems and standout newcomers:
Hotels & Brands
Park Hyatt Sydney received the region’s top hotel honour as Oceania’s Leading Hotel 2025.
InterContinental Hotels & Resorts was named Oceania’s Leading Hotel Brand 2025, while InterContinental Auckland picked up Oceania’s Leading New Hotel 2025.
Hyatt Regency Sydney secured Oceania’s Leading Business Hotel 2025.
Boutique, Luxury & Lifestyle
Omana, New Zealand was crowned Oceania’s Leading Boutique Hotel 2025.
Airways Hotel & Residences in Papua New Guinea won Oceania’s Leading Boutique Airport Hotel 2025.
Taveuni Palms Resort in Fiji continued its prestige streak as Oceania’s Leading Boutique Resort 2025.
Mount Lofty House in South Australia won Oceania’s Leading Wine Region Hotel 2025.
Resorts & Private Islands
Fiji dominated the resort categories with multiple wins:
COMO Laucala Island – Oceania’s Leading Beach Resort 2025
Fiji Hideaway Resort & Spa by Kimaya – Oceania’s Leading Family Resort 2025
Australia’s qualia added to its long list of accolades as Oceania’s Leading Resort 2025.
French Polynesia shone with The Brando named Oceania’s Leading Private Island Resort 2025 and The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort taking out Oceania’s Most Romantic Resort 2025.
Eagles Nest, New Zealand, was awarded Oceania’s Leading Villa Resort 2025, while The Residence at The George Christchurch won Oceania’s Leading Luxury Hotel Villa 2025.
Suites & Executive Lounges
Cordis, Auckland secured two major honours:
Oceania’s Leading Executive Club Lounge 2025
Oceania’s Leading Hotel Suite 2025 for its Chairman Suite
Eco-Conscious Travel
Australia’s Daintree EcoLodge & Spa received Oceania’s Leading Green Hotel 2025, emphasising the region’s ongoing commitment to sustainable tourism.
Meetings, Incentives & Business Events
New Zealand and Australia retained their stronghold in the MICE space:
Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre took home Oceania’s Leading Meetings & Conference Centre 2025.
Sydney was named Oceania’s Leading Meetings & Conference Destination 2025.
InterContinental Wellington won Oceania’s Leading Conference Hotel 2025.
Tours, Attractions & Travel Services
Across the industry’s broader ecosystem, several operators and travel services were recognised:
Sigatoka River Safari (Fiji) – Oceania’s Leading Adventure Tour Operator 2025
Inspiring Vacations – Oceania’s Leading Tour Operator 2025
Peregrine Winery, New Zealand – Oceania’s Leading Tourism Winery 2025
Wet’n’Wild Gold Coast – Oceania’s Leading Water Park 2025
Flight Centre – Oceania’s Leading Travel Agency 2025
Webjet – Oceania’s Leading Online Travel Agency 2025
FCM Travel – Oceania’s Leading Travel Management Company 2025
Australia Inbound – Oceania’s Leading Destination Management Company 2025
Princess Cruises – Oceania’s Leading Cruise Line 2025
