The Maldives has won the Indian Ocean's Leading Destination award in the World Travel Awards for the seventh consecutive year.

At the "World Travel Awards Asia, Oceania and Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony 2026" held last night at Crossroads Maldives in connection with World Tourism Day, the Maldives secured five key awards, including the Indian Ocean's Leading Destination title.

The awards won by the Maldives at the ceremony include:

  • Indian Ocean's Leading Destination 2026
  • Indian Ocean's Leading Dive Destination 2026
  • Indian Ocean's Leading Green Destination 2026
  • Indian Ocean's Leading Honeymoon Destination 2026

Additionally, the Visit Maldives Corporation was honored with the title of Indian Ocean's Leading Tourist Board 2026.

Maldives wins Indian Ocean's Leading Destination award for the seventh consecutive year

In a statement issued by Visit Maldives last night, it was noted that over 15 brands operating within the Maldivian tourism industry won awards across various Indian Ocean categories. These spanned resorts, luxury hospitality, aviation, diving, family and honeymoon travel, private island experiences, superyacht tourism, and sustainable tourism sectors.

Speaking at the ceremony, Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation Mohamed Ameen stated that Maldivian tourism, which began in 1972 with just two resorts, has today become one of the world's most successful stories. He highlighted Visit Maldives' promotional efforts and emphasized the vital importance of sustainable tourism.

Maldives wins Indian Ocean's Leading Destination award for the seventh consecutive year

The Maldives previously held the title of the World's Leading Destination for six consecutive years from 2020 to 2025, alongside past wins for "World's Leading Tourist Board," "World's Leading Green Destination," and "World's Leading Beach Destination."

This year's gala event was attended by senior figures from the tourism sector across more than 40 countries, including representatives from tourist boards, hotels, resorts, airlines, and tourism media, alongside World Travel Awards Founder and President Graham Cooke. Established in 1993, the World Travel Awards are recognized globally as one of the most prestigious accolades in the travel and tourism industry.