- Maldivian has been named the official local airline partner for the World Travel Awards Asia, Oceania and Indian Ocean 2026, hosted by the Maldives.
- The agreement, signed by Maldivian's Ali Saleem and Visit Maldives' Ibrahim Shiuree, covers airline services, staff participation and operational support for the ceremony.
- Hosting the event offers the Maldives a platform to showcase its tourism offerings and engage global industry stakeholders beyond conventional consumer campaigns.
The Maldives’ hosting of the World Travel Awards Asia, Oceania and Indian Ocean 2026 has secured Maldivian as its official local airline partner, bringing the national carrier into preparations for one of the tourism industry’s major regional events.
Visit Maldives Corporation and Maldivian signed the partnership agreement as arrangements continue for the awards ceremony, which will bring together tourism destinations, organisations and hospitality brands from across Asia, Oceania and the Indian Ocean.
The agreement was signed by Maldivian Deputy Managing Director Ali Saleem and Visit Maldives Corporation Managing Director and CEO Ibrahim Shiuree.
Under the partnership, Maldivian will provide airline services, staff participation and operational support for the event. Its role is expected to assist the logistical delivery of the ceremony, while linking the national airline to the country’s wider destination-marketing effort.
Shiuree said hosting the ceremony gives the Maldives an opportunity to present its tourism offering to global industry stakeholders and strengthen professional connections across the sector.
“Hosting the World Travel Awards Asia, Oceania & Indian Ocean 2026 ceremony in the Maldives provides an opportunity to showcase our destination, tourism offerings, and the strength of our industry to leading global travel and tourism stakeholders,” he said.
He added that Maldivian’s participation reflected the importance of collaboration among local stakeholders in delivering the event. The airline plays a significant role in domestic connectivity, serving islands across the country and supporting travel within the Maldives.
The World Travel Awards recognises performance across the global travel and tourism industry. For the Maldives, hosting its Asia, Oceania and Indian Ocean ceremony provides an additional platform to engage international tourism partners and promote the destination beyond conventional consumer-facing campaigns.
Visit Maldives Corporation, the state-owned tourism promotion body, said the partnership forms part of its efforts to host international tourism events and reach key overseas audiences.
