Visit Maldives Corporation has announced that the Maldives will host the prestigious World Travel Awards Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony 2026, bringing the celebrated event back to the country after more than a decade. The high-profile ceremony is scheduled for 27 September 2026, coinciding with World Tourism Day, in a powerful affirmation of the Maldives’ dominance on the global tourism stage.
The return of the gala underscores the Maldives’ sustained leadership in luxury, sustainability, and experiential travel. Established in 1993, the World Travel Awards are widely regarded as the industry’s ultimate benchmark of excellence, honouring top-performing destinations, airlines, hotels, resorts, cruise operators, and travel service providers worldwide. Winners are determined through votes by travel professionals, industry leaders, and consumers, reinforcing the awards’ global credibility.
Now in its 33rd year, the WTA Grand Tour spans regional ceremonies across the globe before culminating in a global finale. Hosting the Indian Ocean Gala once again signals strong international confidence in the Maldives’ tourism brand and strategic direction.
The Maldives has consistently dominated the awards in recent years, securing repeated recognition as the Indian Ocean’s Leading Destination and earning multiple accolades for sustainability and hospitality excellence. Notably, the country holds an unprecedented record of six consecutive wins as the World’s Leading Destination, a feat unmatched by any other nation.
To mark the occasion, Visit Maldives will launch a comprehensive “Visit Maldives Week” aligned with World Tourism Day Week. The initiative will feature high-level tourism forums, sustainability and innovation dialogues, global media engagements, familiarisation trips, cultural showcases, and strategic networking events leading up to the gala ceremony. The programme aims to amplify the Maldives’ international visibility while bringing together global tourism leaders in one of the world’s most iconic destinations.
By hosting the Indian Ocean Gala on World Tourism Day, the Maldives positions itself not merely as a participant in global tourism, but as a driving force shaping its future. With sustained recognition, strategic partnerships, and a clear vision for sustainable growth, the Sunny Side of Life continues to set the gold standard for destination excellence.
