The World Travel Awards (WTA) has announced that the paradise country of Maldives will host its 2026 Indian Ocean Gala, bringing together travel industry leaders from across the region for a prestigious VIP reception on September 27, 2026, to mark World Tourism Day.
This ceremony heralds the return of the Indian Ocean as part of the World Travel Awards Grand Tour, an annual series of red carpet events held on every continent. This decision reflects the strength of the tourism sector in the Maldives and its leadership in the areas of luxury, sustainable and spectacular travel.
With its crystal-clear lagoons, white beaches and world-famous overwater bungalows, the Maldives is the ultimate in luxury for those who want to go barefoot and remains one of the most desirable places on earth.
Graham Cooke, founder of the World Travel Awards, He said: «I am incredibly honored to host our 2026 Indian Ocean Gala 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 industry leaders from across the Indian Ocean to experience the extraordinary magic of these magnificent islands.».
The Maldives last hosted the VIP ceremony in 2017. Since then, the country has consistently won top honors at the World Travel Awards for sustainability and hospitality excellence, and is now a «Leading Global Destination.» The return of this gala ceremony to the Maldives is both a recognition of the destination's achievements and a strategic opportunity to further strengthen its global positioning.
In honor of this important event, Visit Maldives will organize a comprehensive «Visit Maldives Week» to mark World Tourism Day, providing a vibrant celebration of collaboration across tourism, culture and industry. The week will feature high-level industry forums, thought leadership discussions on responsible tourism and innovation, study tours and networking events. The initiative aims to enhance the international visibility of the Maldives while bringing together key stakeholders, partners and global tourism leaders in one of the world's most iconic destinations.
Ibrahim Shiuree, Managing Director of Visit Maldives, said: «We are extremely proud to bring the World Travel Awards back to the Maldives. The 2026 Indian Ocean Gala will allow us to showcase not only the natural beauty and hospitality that define the Maldives experience, but also our continued 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 unique.».
The gala promises to be the Indian Ocean tourism industry's premier event of the year, bringing together government ministers, tourism boards, hospitality industry executives and international media for an unforgettable evening of recognition and networking.
Holding the ceremony on World Tourism Day, which is celebrated around the world on September 27, underscores the WTA's commitment to raising the profile of the travel industry and supporting destinations, hotels, airlines and operators that continue to raise the bar for travelers around the world.
