Maldives to Host World Travel Awards Indian Ocean Gala 2026
Maldives, 16 February 2026 – Visit Maldives is proud to announce that it will host the prestigious World Travel Awards (WTA) Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony 2026, marking the event’s return to the country after a decade. As the gala falls on World Tourism Day, it carries heightened significance and stands as a landmark moment for Maldivian tourism.
Established in 1993, the World Travel Awards is widely regarded as the ultimate hallmark of excellence in global travel and tourism. Now in its 33rd year, WTA recognises and rewards outstanding achievements across all key sectors of the industry, including destinations, airlines, hotels, resorts, cruise operators and travel service providers. Winners are selected through votes cast by travel professionals, industry leaders and consumers worldwide, making it one of the most credible and respected accolades in tourism.
Each year, WTA hosts a Grand Tour of regional gala ceremonies across the world, celebrating the finest performers in each region before culminating in a global finale. In recent years, Indian Ocean and regional ceremonies have been staged in leading tourism destinations that showcase excellence and innovation within the sector. The return of the Indian Ocean Gala to the Maldives underscores the country’s continued global prominence and leadership in the luxury, sustainability and experiential travel segments.
The Maldives last hosted this prestigious gala over ten years ago. Since then, the destination has consistently secured top honours at the World Travel Awards, including repeated recognition as the Indian Ocean’s Leading Destination and multiple accolades for sustainability and hospitality excellence. The Maldives currently hold the unprecedented record for securing the World's Leading Destination award for six consecutive years. Bringing the gala back to Maldivian shores is both a recognition of the nation’s achievements and a strategic opportunity to further strengthen its global positioning.
In celebration of this milestone, Visit Maldives will organise a comprehensive “Visit Maldives Week” aligned with World Tourism Day Week, transforming the period into a vibrant celebration of tourism, culture and industry collaboration. The week will feature high-level industry forums, thought-leadership discussions on sustainable tourism and innovation, global media engagements, familiarisation trips, cultural showcases, and networking events leading up to the Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony. The initiative aims to amplify international visibility for the Maldives while bringing together key stakeholders, partners and global tourism leaders in one of the world’s most iconic destinations.
Hosting the World Travel Awards Indian Ocean Gala on World Tourism Day reflects the Maldives’ enduring commitment to excellence, resilience and innovation in tourism. As the Sunny Side of Life continues to evolve, this event will serve as a powerful platform to celebrate the achievements of the industry and to chart the next chapter of growth for Maldivian tourism on the global stage.
Visit Maldives remains dedicated to driving sustainable growth, strengthening strategic partnerships and ensuring that the Maldives continues to lead as one of the world’s most desirable and respected travel destinations.