The Maldives has been named the Indian Ocean’s Leading Destination 2026 at the World Travel Awards Asia, Oceania & Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony, held at CROSSROADS Maldives on World Tourism Day.
The Maldives also received awards for the Indian Ocean’s Leading Dive Destination, Leading Green Destination and Leading Honeymoon Destination, while Visit Maldives Corporation was named the Indian Ocean’s Leading Tourist Board.
The awards ceremony, held on 27 September, brought together tourism and hospitality representatives from more than 40 countries and marked the return of the prestigious regional event to the Maldives for the first time in a decade.
More than 15 Maldivian tourism and hospitality brands also received honours across various Maldives and Indian Ocean categories, including resorts, luxury hospitality, aviation, diving and destination management.
Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation Mohamed Ameen said tourism had transformed the Maldives over the past 54 years, developing from two resorts in 1972 into a major pillar of the national economy.
“Tourism has become the backbone of our economy, a source of opportunity for our people, and a bridge connecting our island nation to every corner of the globe,” he said.
The latest recognition adds to the Maldives’ record at the World Travel Awards. The country was named the World’s Leading Destination for six consecutive years from 2020 to 2025, while also securing the Indian Ocean’s Leading Destination title five consecutive times from 2020 to 2024.
The World Travel Awards, established in 1993, recognises achievements across the global travel, tourism and hospitality industries.