The revelation that Fiji is among 25 countries selected by the global nonprofit scientific and educational institution National Geographic for its Best of the World destinations for 2026 is great news.
It is an acknowledgment that speaks volumes about who we are as a nation, our people, our culture, and our natural beauty.
According to National Geographic, the selection followed “a rigorous process of nomination, research, and reporting” by its team of travel experts and the international editorial teams of Nat Geo Traveller.
These teams collectively reach millions of readers through their magazines and websites across the globe. So our inclusion in this exclusive list, alongside countries such as Dominica, Spain, Thailand, Japan, the Philippines, Turkey, Uzbekistan, Rwanda, Canada, and Brazil, is a remarkable achievement.
The Best of the World 2026 list has been designed as a carefully curated selection to inspire travellers of all kinds, from families, food lovers, adventurers, nature seekers, and culture enthusiasts.
National Geographic’s editor-in-chief Nathan Lump said travel has the power to inspire and transform people. In compiling this year’s Best of the World, he explained, the focus was on discovering destinations that may not always appear on travellers’ social media feeds or algorithm-driven suggestions.
“Of course, we know not every trip can be an off-the-beaten-path adventure,” Lump said. “So, we were mindful to include some surprisingly compelling places that are also more easily accessible. Whatever kind of traveller you are, our goal is to ensure we’re sharing fresh ideas that help you connect with that feeling of discovery and joy that comes from a great travel experience.”
For Tourism Fiji chief executive officer Dr Paresh Pant, the recognition is a proud moment. He said Fiji was honoured to be named one of National Geographic’s Best of the World destinations for 2026, an acknowledgment that not only celebrates the breathtaking beauty of our islands but also the warmth, culture, and spirit of our people.
“As we continue to share Fiji with the world,” Dr Pant said, “accolades like this reaffirm our place among the world’s most inspiring destinations and help strengthen global awareness of Fiji, inspiring more travellers to experience our islands”. “At Tourism Fiji, we are committed to sharing our islands in a way that preserves their natural beauty and authenticity for generations to come. We invite travellers to experience the magic of our culture, connect with our communities, and discover why Fiji is where happiness comes naturally.”
In saying that, we say this recognition belongs not only to the tourism industry but to every Fijian. Our reputation as a friendly and welcoming nation has always been one of our assets. Visitors may come for the beaches and sunsets, but it is our warmth, humility, and genuine care that make a lot of them return.
Now, the responsibility rests with each one of us, in our towns, villages, resorts, markets, and streets, to ensure that every visitor leaves with fond memories and a deep appreciation for who we are. That means greeting them with a smile, offering help where we can, respecting our environment, and taking pride in our communities.
As we celebrate this global recognition, let it remind us that Fiji’s greatest treasure is not just its natural beauty, but its people. Let’s be engaged!
