Maldives to host World Travel Awards Gala Ceremony Indian Ocean 2026 | News
World travel awards (WTA) has announced that the paradise country of Maldives will host its Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony 2026, bringing together travel industry leaders from across the region for a prestigious VIP reception on September 27, 2026, to mark World Tourism Day.
The ceremony heralds the return of the Indian Ocean leg of the World Travel Awards Grand Tour, an annual series of red carpet events hosted on every continent. The decision reflects the strength of the Maldives travel and tourism sector and its leadership in luxury, sustainability and experiential travel.
With its crystal-clear lagoons, powder-white beaches and world-famous overwater bungalows, the Maldives represents the pinnacle of barefoot luxury and remains one of the most aspirational destinations on earth.
Graham Cooke, Founder of World Travel Awards, said: “It is an incredible honor to host our Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony 2026 in the Maldives – and what better occasion than World Tourism Day to celebrate the very best of our industry! The Maldives continues to set the global standard for luxury and sustainable tourism, and I look forward to welcoming tour guides from across the Indian Ocean to experience the extraordinary magic of these remarkable islands.”
The Maldives The country last organized the VIP ceremony in 2017. Since then, the country has consistently taken top honors at the World Travel Awards for sustainability and hospitality excellence, and currently holds the title of ‘World’s Leading Destination’. Bringing the gala back to the shores of the Maldives is both a recognition of the destination’s achievements and a strategic opportunity to further strengthen its global positioning.
To celebrate this milestone, Visit Maldives will host an extended ‘Visit Maldives Week’ aligned with World Tourism Day, offering a vibrant celebration of tourism, culture and industry collaboration. The week will consist of high-level industry forums, thought-leadership discussions on responsible tourism and innovation, familiarization trips and networking events. The initiative aims to increase the international visibility of the Maldives while bringing together key stakeholders, partners and global tourism leaders in an iconic destination.
Ibrahim Shiuree, Managing Director, Visit Maldivessays: “We are immensely proud to bring the World Travel Awards back to the Maldives. The Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony 2026 will allow us to showcase not only the natural beauty and hospitality that defines the Maldives experience, but also our continued commitment to responsible and sustainable tourism. We look forward to welcoming industry leaders to our shores and sharing with them the warmth, culture and wonder that make the Maldives truly unique.”
The Gala Ceremony promises to be the travel industry event of the year in the Indian Ocean, bringing together government ministers, tourism boards, hospitality executives and international media for an unforgettable evening of recognition and networking.
Organizing the ceremony World Tourism Day – observed worldwide on September 27 – underlines WTA’s commitment to raising the profile of the tourism industry and championing the destinations, hotels, airlines and operators that continue to raise the bar for travelers around the world.
