Maldives Takes Global Tourism Spotlight As World Travel Awards Asia Oceania And Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony 2026 Brings Industry Leaders Together

The Maldives is set to become the centre of the regional travel and tourism industry as it prepares to host the World Travel Awards Asia, Oceania & Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony 2026, supported by the Bank of Maldives. The prestigious event will be held on Sunday, 27 September 2026, at CROSSROADS Maldives, aligning with the global celebration of World Tourism Day.

The highly anticipated ceremony will gather prominent representatives from the travel, tourism and hospitality sectors across Asia, Oceania and the Indian Ocean region. Industry leaders will come together to recognise outstanding achievements across multiple categories, including luxury hotels, resorts, airlines, tour operators, destinations and visitor attractions that continue to shape the future of global tourism.

Situated only around 15 minutes by boat from Velana International Airport, CROSSROADS Maldives represents the country’s first and only integrated multi-island lifestyle destination. The unique development reflects the character of a modern island community while drawing inspiration from the Maldives’ historic role as a key trading crossroads linking Asia, Africa and the Middle East. Its blend of hospitality, culture, leisure and marine experiences provides a distinctive setting for one of the region’s most important tourism gatherings.

Graham Cooke, Founder and President of World Travel Awards, said: “We are delighted to bring together the leading lights of the travel and tourism sector from across Asia, Oceania and the Indian Ocean at CROSSROADS Maldives. The Maldives is one of the world’s most aspirational destinations, combining remarkable natural beauty with exceptional hospitality and a commitment to sustainable tourism. Staging the ceremony on World Tourism Day makes this an especially meaningful occasion in which to celebrate the organisations and destinations raising the benchmark for excellence. I look forward to welcoming our guests for what promises to be a memorable evening.”

Abdulla Yasir, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Visit Maldives Corporation, said: “We are tremendously proud to bring the World Travel Awards back to the Maldives. The Asia, Oceania & Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony 2026 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.”

The event is a key part of the World Travel Awards Grand Tour 2026, an international journey dedicated to recognising and celebrating the world’s leading travel and tourism organisations. After successfully hosting the Africa Gala Ceremony in Zanzibar and the Middle East Gala Ceremony in Dubai, the Grand Tour will continue its global celebration with upcoming regional ceremonies in Jamaica and Montenegro, before reaching its final destination at the prestigious Grand Final in Tanzania.

The World Travel Awards Asia, Oceania & Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony 2026 is being hosted by the Maldives as the Official Host Destination, with Visit Maldives Corporation serving as the Official Host. The prestigious event is supported by Bank of Maldives as Platinum Sponsor and CROSSROADS Maldives as Host Partner. A wide network of industry partners is also contributing to the success of the ceremony, including Ooredoo as Digital Partner, Print Lab as Print Partner, Allied Insurance as Insurance Partner, Velana International Airport as Aviation Partner, Jalboot as Transportation Partner, Event Maldives as Event Partner, Maldivian as Local Airline Partner, STO Energy as Energy Partner, Ana’s Salon & Spa as Beauty and Makeup Partner, and Rogue by Naju as Styling Partner.