An international travel publication has named Tasmania the best island destination in the region encompassing Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific, and the fourth best in the world.

Travel and Leisure magazine is one of the most widely read travel publications in the world, with a readership of almost 7 million people.

• I’m spending winter in paradise … and so can you
• Opportourism: the top global deals with a catch
• More airport strikes planned

The magazine’s August edition will unveil its World’s Best Awards.

Tasmania will be named the best island destination in the region for the fifth time having previously won it in 2002, 2006, 2008 and 2009.

The rankings are based on reader’s ratings across five characteristics.

Acting Tourism Minister Jeremy Rockliff said it was just the latest in international tourism accolades bestowed upon the state.

“It also intensifies the international spotlight that has been shining on our state recently, including the Lonely Planet ranking Tasmania the 4th best region in the world to visit, the Chinese president’s visit and our tourism businesses winning an unprecedented 10 gold at the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards,” Mr Rockliff  said.

“This is great exposure that no amount of money can buy, and will no doubt help us to reach our target of attracting 1.5 million visitors to our state every year by 2020.”