The Maldives is set to host an expanded World Travel Awards Gala Ceremony on World Tourism Day, 27 September 2026, bringing together tourism winners from Asia, Oceania and the Indian Ocean.
The ceremony will be held at CROSSROADS Maldives, the multi-island integrated destination located near Velana International Airport. The event marks the return of the World Travel Awards to the Maldives for the first time since 2017.
The expanded format will include winners from markets across Asia, the Pacific, Australasia and the Indian Ocean, placing the Maldives at the centre of a regional tourism recognition event covering several major travel markets.
Graham Cooke, Founder of World Travel Awards, said: “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. CROSSROADS Maldives perfectly captures the innovation and ambition shaping the future of travel.”
CROSSROADS Maldives includes SAii Lagoon Maldives, Hard Rock Hotel Maldives and SO/ Maldives, along with dining, leisure and entertainment facilities across four connected islands.
Alexandre Traeger, General Manager of SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton and CROSSROADS Marina, said: “It is a true privilege for CROSSROADS Maldives to host the World Travel Awards on World Tourism Day. This milestone reflects our vision of bringing diverse experiences together in one seamless destination, and we look forward to welcoming the industry’s finest.”
The Maldives currently holds the title of World’s Leading Destination at the World Travel Awards. Visit Maldives said the upcoming ceremony would provide an opportunity to present the country’s tourism offering to industry leaders from across the region.
Ibrahim Shiuree, Managing Director of Visit Maldives, said: “We are tremendously proud to bring the World Travel 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.”
World Travel Awards was established in 1993 to recognise excellence across the tourism industry.
