The Maldives is set to once again take center stage in the global tourism industry, with CROSSROADS Maldives selected as the host venue for the World Travel Awards (WTA) Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony 2026.
The prestigious event will take place on September 27, coinciding with World Tourism Day, and is expected to bring together leading figures from the travel, tourism and hospitality sectors from across the Indian Ocean region.
The ceremony marks the return of the World Travel Awards’ Indian Ocean gala to the Maldives, nearly a decade after the country last hosted a WTA VIP event in 2017.
Organizers say the annual World Travel Awards Grand Tour serves as one of the travel industry’s most prominent recognition platforms, celebrating excellence in tourism, hospitality, aviation and destination management through a series of red-carpet ceremonies held around the world.
This year’s Indian Ocean edition will be hosted at CROSSROADS Maldives, the country’s first integrated multi-island leisure destination. Located just 15 minutes from Velana International Airport by speedboat, the development spans four interconnected islands and is home to SAii Lagoon Maldives, Hard Rock Hotel Maldives and SO/ Maldives.
Inspired by the Maldives’ historic role as a crossroads between Asia, Africa and the Middle East, the destination has emerged as one of the country’s most distinctive tourism projects since its launch.
World Travel Awards Founder Graham Cooke said the decision to bring the event back to the Maldives reflects the continued strength and international appeal of the country’s tourism sector.
He noted that CROSSROADS Maldives represents the innovation, luxury and high standards that have helped establish the Maldives as one of the world’s most sought-after travel destinations.
Alexander Traeger, General Manager of SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton and CROSSROADS Marina, described the opportunity to host the event as a major milestone for the destination.
According to Traeger, the selection highlights the vision behind creating an integrated tourism destination that combines multiple hospitality experiences within a single location while showcasing the diversity of the Maldives’ tourism offerings.
The event is also expected to provide additional international exposure for the country’s tourism industry, which continues to be the backbone of the Maldivian economy.
The Maldives has maintained a strong presence at the World Travel Awards in recent years, repeatedly securing some of the organization’s highest honors. The country currently holds the title of World’s Leading Destination, reinforcing its status as a premier global tourism hotspot.
Visit Maldives Managing Director Ibrahim Shiuree welcomed the return of the awards ceremony, saying it presents an opportunity to showcase not only the country’s natural beauty and hospitality sector but also its commitment to sustainability and responsible tourism practices.
He noted that industry leaders attending the event will have the opportunity to experience firsthand the culture, hospitality and unique tourism products that continue to attract visitors from around the world.
With tourism remaining the Maldives’ largest economic sector and visitor arrivals continuing to grow, the return of one of the industry’s most prestigious awards ceremonies is expected to further strengthen the country’s global profile as a leading travel destination.
