Whale Watch Kaikoura is celebrating after winning the Australasian Responsible Tourism Award at the World Travel Awards in New Delhi, India.

The awards are decided by a vote of travel agents worldwide.

Considered by many to be the travel industry's equivalent to the Oscars, the awards celebrate excellence in all sectors of the industry.

Queenstown was named leading destination in Australasia in the same awards.

Whale Watch Kaikoura marketing manager Lisa Bond was in India to accept the award, and said she was honoured to represent the company and New Zealand.

"To be acknowledged against the world's very best is an absolute privilege and I am humbled to accept this award on behalf our organisation," she said.

Whale Watch Kaikoura general manager Kauahi Ngapora said the award was a strong endorsement for the Kaikoura-based operation's focus on sustainable tourism and environmental protection.

"We are delighted to be recognised for our commitment to providing a quality experience while carefully managing the use of a rare natural resource," he said.

The win continues a winning streak of international industry recognition that Whale Watch Kaikoura has received in the almost 30 years since it was launched.

"Having a team of capable people who consistently deliver an award-winning service is something we're very proud of," Ngapora said.

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