World Travel Awards (WTA) has announced that the paradise nation of the Maldives will host industry leaders from across Asia, Oceania and the Indian Ocean for a blockbuster VIP Gala Ceremony to celebrate the best in travel and tourism. The flagship event will take place at CROSSROADS Maldives on World Tourism Day, 27 September 2026.

The Maldives represents the pinnacle of barefoot luxury and one of the world’s most aspirational destinations, with its crystalline lagoons, powder-white beaches and world-renowned overwater bungalows.

Located just 15 minutes by boat from Velana International Airport, CROSSROADS Maldives is the first and only multi-island integrated lifestyle destination in the Maldives. The resort is designed in the spirit of an island community, drawing inspiration from the nation’s history as an ancient trading hub, connecting Asia, Africa and the Middle East.

The Gala Ceremony promises to be the region’s travel industry event of the year, bringing together government ministers, tourism boards, hospitality executives and international media for an unforgettable evening of recognition and networking.

Graham Cooke, Founder, World Travel Awards, says: “It is an incredible honour to host World Travel Awards in the Maldives – and what better occasion than World Tourism Day to celebrate the very best of our industry! The Maldives continues to set the global standard for luxury and sustainable tourism, and I look forward to welcoming travel leaders from across Asia, Oceania and the Indian Ocean to experience the extraordinary magic of these remarkable islands.”

Staging the ceremony on World Tourism Day – observed globally on 27 September – underlines WTA’s commitment to elevating the profile of the tourism industry and championing the destinations, hotels, airlines and operators that continue to raise the bar for travellers worldwide.

The Maldives last hosted the World Travel Awards in 2017. Since then, the nation has consistently secured top honours in the prestigious programme for sustainability and hospitality excellence, and currently holds the title of ‘World’s Leading Destination’. Bringing the gala back to Maldivian shores is both a recognition of the destination’s achievements and a strategic opportunity to further strengthen its global positioning.

Ibrahim Shiuree, Managing Director, Visit Maldives, says: “We are tremendously proud to bring the World Travel Awards back to the Maldives. The 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.”