CROSSROADS Maldives to organize World Travel Awards Gala Ceremony Indian Ocean 2026 | News
World travel awards (WTA) has announced this CROSSROADS Maldives will serve as the host venue for the Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony on September 27, 2026. The multi-island leisure and lifestyle destination will welcome travel industry leaders from across the region for the VIP reception.
CROSSROADS Maldives is just a 15-minute boat ride from Velana International Airport and is designed in the spirit of an island community. It is inspired by the country’s history as an ancient trading center connecting Asia, Africa and the Middle East.
The destination features three distinct resorts – SAii Lagoon Maldives, Hard Rock Hotel Maldives and SO/Maldives – offering a combination of fine dining, leisure and world-class entertainment across four interconnected islands in a tropical paradise.
The ceremony, which coincides with World Tourism Day, marks 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.
Graham Cooke, founder of World Travel Awards, says: “I am delighted to return to the Maldives for our Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony 2026 – a decision that reflects the strength of the country’s tourism industry. CROSSROADS encapsulates how the Maldives is setting the global standard for luxury and its appetite for bold, innovative and world-class tourism experiences. I look forward to welcoming tour guides from across the Indian Ocean to experience this extraordinary destination.”
Alexander Traeger, General Manager, SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton and CROSSROADS Marina, said: “It is a true privilege for CROSSROADS Maldives to host the WTA Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony 2026. This milestone reflects our vision to bring diverse experiences together into one seamless destination, and we look forward to welcoming the best in the industry.”
The Maldives last hosted the WTA 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’.
Ibrahim Shiuree, Managing Director of Visit Maldives, said: “We are extremely proud to bring the World Travel Awards back to the Maldives. The Indian Ocean 2026 Gala 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 makes the Maldives truly unique make.”
