Male’, Maldives – 16th February 2026 – The Maldives is set to welcome the global tourism community once again as it prepares to host the World Tourism Awards Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony 2026 on 27th September 2026. Organised in partnership with World Tourism Travel Awards, the prestigious event returns to the islands after more than a decade and will take place on World Tourism Day, adding special significance to the occasion.
Widely regarded as one of the travel industry’s most respected accolades, The World Travel Awards was established in 1993 to recognise excellence across destinations, airlines, hotels, resorts, cruise lines and travel service providers. Now in its 33rd year, the awards are determined through votes cast by travel professionals and consumers worldwide, reinforcing their credibility and global influence.
Each year, the awards programme travels the globe with a series of regional gala ceremonies leading up to a grand finale. Recent Indian Ocean editions have been staged in destinations celebrated for innovation and service excellence. The decision to return to the Maldives reflects the country’s enduring leadership in luxury hospitality, sustainability and experiential travel.
OVer the years, the Maldives has consistently secured top honours at the awards, including multiple titles as the Indian Ocean’s Leading Destination. The country also holds the remarkable distinction of being named the World’s Leading Destination for six consecutive years, underscoring its strong international appeal and commitment to delivering exceptional visitor experiences.
To mark the occasion, Visit Maldives Corporation will host a dedicated “Visit Maldives Week” in alignment with World Tourism Day celebrations. The Programme will feature industry forums, discussions focused on sustainable tourism and innovation, international media engagements, familiarisation trips and cultural showcases. A series of networking events will lead up to the gala evening, creating valuable opportunities for collaboration among global tourism leaders and partners.
For travellers and industry stakeholders alike, the return of the World Travel Awards Indian Ocean Gala signals other milestones in the Maldives’ tourism journey. It not only celebrates the achievements of the past decade but also reinforces the destination;s forward-looking vision
As the Sunny Side of Life continues to evolve, hosting this landmark event places the Maldives firmly in the global spotlight, strengthening its position as one of the world’s most desirable and respected travel destinations.
