Maldives continues to reign as Indian Ocean’s top destination as it bags five awards at WTA Asia

The Maldives secured five major honors at the World Travel Awards (WTA) Asia, Oceania & Indian Ocean on Sunday night, including winning the title of Indian Ocean’s Leading Destination for the seventh consecutive year.

The gala ceremony, held at CROSSROADS Maldives, coincided with the World Tourism Day, and marked the prestigious regional ceremony’s return to the destination for the first time in a decade.

During Sunday’s ceremony, the Maldives was named 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, while Visit Maldives Corporation (VMC) was recognized as Indian Ocean’s Leading Tourist Board 2026.

The destination’s success was reflected across the wider tourism industry, with more than 15 Maldivian hospitality and tourism brands receiving honors across the Maldives and Indian Ocean categories.

The awards recognized Maldivian businesses across resorts, luxury hospitality, aviation, travel and destination management, diving, family and honeymoon travel, private island experiences, superyacht tourism and responsible tourism, demonstrating the breadth of the country’s tourism offering.

The ceremony was attended by Graham Cooke, Founder and President of the WTA, Mohamed Ameen, Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation alongside tourism industry leaders, partners and distinguished guests.

Speaking at the ceremony, Ameen highlighted on how tourism has transformed the Maldives.

 “Tourism has transformed the Maldives over the past 54 years. What began with just two resorts in 1972 has evolved into one of the most successful tourism stories in the world. Tourism has become the backbone of our economy, a source of opportunity for our people, and a bridge connecting our island nation to every corner of the globe,” he said.

Meanwhile, Visit Maldives’ CEO and Managing Director Abdulla Yasir said the five honors reflect the strength and diversity of the Maldivian tourism industry.

“We are proud to be recognized as the Indian Ocean’s Leading Destination, Leading Dive Destination, Leading Green Destination and Leading Honeymoon Destination, while Visit Maldives has also been named the Indian Ocean’s Leading Tourist Board. These recognitions reflect the standards we continue to uphold and the experiences we strive to deliver as we share the Sunny Side of Life with travelers around the world,” he said.

The five newest honors add to the Maldives’ extensive record at the WTA. The destination was named World’s Leading Destination for six consecutive years from 2020 to 2025, while also securing Indian Ocean’s Leading Destination for five consecutive years from 2020 to 2024 and Indian Ocean’s Leading Dive Destination for six consecutive years from 2019 to 2024.

The Maldives has also been recognized as World’s Leading Tourist Board in 2022 and 2023, World’s Leading Green Destination in 2024 and 2025, and Indian Ocean’s Leading Tourist Board for three consecutive years from 2021 to 2023. Other honors include Indian Ocean’s Leading Honeymoon Destination in 2019 and 2024, Indian Ocean’s Leading Cruise Destination in 2020, World’s Leading Beach Destination in 2019, and the Global Resilience Award in 2023.

The 2026 gala brought together senior representatives from across the international tourism and hospitality sector, including tourism boards, hotels and resorts, hospitality ownership and investment groups, travel trade media, airlines and aviation stakeholders.

With representatives from more than 40 countries in attendance, the ceremony provided a global platform to showcase the Maldives’ tourism offering and hospitality while strengthening industry connections across key markets and sectors.

Held on World Tourism Day, the event also placed the Maldives at the center of regional tourism celebrations and industry engagement.