The Maldives has won five awards at the World Travel Awards Asia, Oceania & Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony 2026, held last night at CROSSROADS Maldives in connection with World Tourism Day.
The Maldives was recognised with four destination titles: Indian Ocean’s Leading Destination 2026, Indian Ocean’s Leading Dive Destination 2026, Indian Ocean’s Leading Green Destination 2026, and Indian Ocean’s Leading Honeymoon Destination 2026. Visit Maldives Corporation also won the title of Indian Ocean’s Leading Tourist Board 2026.
More than 15 Maldivian tourism industry brands also received awards across various categories in the Indian Ocean region. The awards covered resorts, luxury hospitality, aviation, diving, family travel, honeymoon experiences, private island experiences, superyacht tourism and responsible tourism.
The ceremony brought together tourism industry leaders from more than 40 countries. Speaking at the event, Tourism and Civil Aviation Minister Mohamed Ameen said the Maldives’ tourism industry, which began in 1972 with just two resorts, has grown into one of the world’s most successful tourism stories.
He also highlighted the work carried out by Visit Maldives to promote the country and emphasised the importance of sustainable tourism.
World Travel Awards Founder and President Graham Cooke also attended the ceremony.
According to Visit Maldives CEO and Managing Director Abdulla Yasir, the five awards represent the strength and prosperity of Maldivian tourism. He said the recognition reflects the high-quality services and diverse experiences offered by the Maldives to travellers from around the world.
The Maldives has now held the World’s Leading Destination title for six consecutive years from 2020 through 2025, according to the World Travel Awards’ award history.
The Maldives has also previously won titles including World’s Leading Tourist Board, World’s Leading Green Destination, and World’s Leading Beach Destination.
The World Travel Awards, established in 1993, held its 2026 Asia, Oceania & Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony in the Maldives. Bank of Maldives served as the title sponsor, while Ooredoo, Print Lab, Allied Insurance, MACL, Jalboot, Event Maldives, Maldivian and STO Energy supported the ceremony.
