New Zealand celebrates 'top country' award

New Zealand has been named the world's leading country for tourism in the Conde Nast Traveller Readers' Awards 2008.

This is the fifth year in a row that UK travellers have voted New Zealand one of the top five international countries in the annual awards.

Tourism minister Damien O'Connor said the accolade is indicative of the "high-quality experience" that New Zealand offers its visitors and told operators in the industry that they should be "justifiably proud".

He added: "With Tourism New Zealand's latest $7.3 million campaign due to launch in the United Kingdom on Sunday, this is timely recognition that New Zealand continues to exceed the expectations of visitors from our second largest market.

"Our ability to continue to compete with other countries will depend on delivering a better product than our competitors, ensuring we are environmentally, economically, socially and culturally sustainable."

New Zealand was named the UK's favourite country ahead of India, Italy, Thailand and Brazil, which rounded off the top five.

Auckland Airport was named the sixth best international airport, while Air New Zealand was rated Brits' sixth favourite airline.

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