Maldives Set to Host Asia, Oceania and Indian Ocean Tourism Leaders for Landmark World Travel Awards Ceremony

The Maldives is set to become the centre of global travel recognition on World Tourism Day, 27 September 2026, following the announcement that World Travel Awards (WTA) will expand its Gala Ceremony to include winners from across Asia and Oceania.

The blockbuster event will take place at CROSSROADS Maldives, the first and only multi-island integrated lifestyle destination in the Maldives. Located just 15 minutes by boat from Velana International Airport, 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 expanded ceremony will bring together winners from dozens of markets spanning Asia, the Pacific, Australasia and the Indian Ocean – markets that together represent one of the world’s most dynamic tourism regions.

Graham Cooke, Founder, World Travel Awards, says: “By bringing together winners from the Indian Ocean, Asia and Oceania, we are creating a powerful platform that reflects the dynamism and global influence of the Maldives. CROSSROADS Maldives perfectly captures the innovation and ambition shaping the future of travel.”

CROSSROADS Maldives features three distinct resorts – SAii Lagoon Maldives, Hard Rock Hotel Maldives and SO/ Maldives – creating a multi-experience destination complemented by world-class dining, leisure and entertainment across four connected islands in a tropical paradise.

Alexandre Traeger, General Manager, SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton and CROSSROADS Marina, says: “It is a true privilege for CROSSROADS Maldives to host the World Travel Awards on World Tourism Day. This milestone reflects our vision of bringing diverse experiences together in one seamless destination, and we look forward to welcoming the industry’s finest.”

The Maldives last hosted the World Travel Awards in 2017. Since then, the nation has consistently secured top honours at the World Travel Awards for sustainability and hospitality excellence, and currently holds the title of ‘World’s Leading Destination’.

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