Maldives set to host Asia, Oceania and Indian Ocean tourism leaders for World Travel Awards

World Travel Awards (WTA) has announced that 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 at CROSSROADS Maldives on World Tourism Day, September 27.

According to WTA, the ceremony heralds the return of the Indian Ocean leg of the WTA Grand Tour, an annual series of red-carpet events hosted in each continent.

“The decision reflects the strength of the travel and tourism sector in the Maldives and its leadership in the luxury, sustainability and experiential travel domains,” states the WTA.

The expanded ceremony will bring together winners from dozens of markets spanning Asia, the Pacific, Australasia and the Indian Ocean – markets that together represent one of the world’s most dynamic tourism regions.

CROSSROADS Maldives, which is hosting the event, is located just 15 minutes by boat from Velana International Airport. The first and only multi-island integrated lifestyle destination in the Maldives, the resort is designed in the spirit of an island community, drawing inspiration from the nation’s history as an ancient trading hub, connecting Asia, Africa and the Middle East.

Graham Cooke, the founder of WTA, states that the resort perfectly captures the innovation and ambition shaping the future of travel.

 “By bringing together winners from the Indian Ocean, Asia and Oceania, we are creating a powerful platform that reflects the dynamism and global influence of the Maldives,” he said.

CROSSROADS Maldives features three distinct resorts – SAii Lagoon Maldives, Hard Rock Hotel Maldives and SO/ Maldives – creating a multi-experience destination complemented by world-class dining, leisure and entertainment across four connected islands in a tropical paradise.

Alexandre Traeger, General Manager, SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton and CROSSROADS Marina, described the chance to host the WTA as a privilege for CROSSROADS Maldives.

“This milestone reflects our vision of bringing diverse experiences together in one seamless destination, and we look forward to welcoming the industry’s finest,” he added.

The Maldives last hosted the WTA in 2017. Since then, the nation has consistently secured top honors at the awards for sustainability and hospitality excellence, and currently holds the title of 'World's Leading Destination'.

Ibrahim Shiuree, the managing director of Visit Maldives, said that they were tremendously proud to bring the prestigious awards back to the Maldives.

“The Gala ceremony will allow us to showcase not only the natural beauty and hospitality that define the Maldives experience, but also our enduring 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 one of a kind,” he said.