Maldives will host tourism leaders from Asia, Oceania and the Indian Ocean for the historic World Travel Awards | News
World travel awards (WTA) has announced that the paradise nation of the Maldives will host industry leaders from across Asia, Oceania and the Indian Ocean for a blockbuster VIP gala ceremony to celebrate the best in travel and tourism. The flagship event will take place on CROSSROADS Maldives on World Tourism Day, September 27, 2026.
The Maldives represent the pinnacle of barefoot luxury and one of the world’s most aspirational destinations, with its crystal-clear lagoons, powder-white beaches and world-famous overwater bungalows.
Located just a 15-minute boat ride from Velana International Airport, CROSSROADS Maldives is the first and only integrated multi-island lifestyle destination in the Maldives. Designed in the spirit of an island community, the resort is inspired by the country’s history as an ancient trading center connecting Asia, Africa and the Middle East.
The Gala Ceremony promises to be the region’s travel industry event of the year, bringing together ministers, tourism boards, hospitality executives and international media for an unforgettable evening of recognition and networking.
Graham Cooke, Founder of World Travel Awards, said: “It is an incredible honor to host World Travel Awards 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 Asia, Oceania and the Indian Ocean to experience the extraordinary magic of these remarkable islands.”
Hosting the ceremony on World Tourism Day – celebrated globally 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.
The Maldives last hosted the World Travel Awards in 2017. Since then, the country has consistently achieved top honors in the prestigious program 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.
Ibrahim Shiuree, Managing Director of Visit Maldives, said: “We are immensely proud to bring the World Travel Awards back to the Maldives. The ceremony 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.”
