The Maldives has once again been crowned the World’s Leading Destination at the 31st annual World Travel Awards (WTA), securing the coveted title for the fifth consecutive year. The prestigious accolade was presented during a grand finale ceremony held in Madeira, Portugal, on Sunday evening.
Tourism Minister Ibrahim Faisal accepted the award on behalf of the Maldives, marking yet another milestone in the country’s journey as a global tourism leader. Competing against some of the most celebrated travel destinations worldwide, the Maldives continues to shine as a top choice for international travelers.
In addition to being named the World’s Leading Destination, the Maldives also received the titles of World’s Leading Green Destination and World’s Leading Seaplane Operator, the latter of which was awarded to Trans Maldivian Airways (TMA).
The World’s Leading Destination award is regarded as the most prestigious in the WTA program, which is widely recognized as the global benchmark for excellence in the travel and tourism industry. This achievement follows earlier successes for the Maldives at the regional level, where the nation received multiple awards in the Indian Ocean category during the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) earlier this year. These included titles for Leading Destination, Leading Honeymoon Destination, Leading Green Destination, and Leading Dive Destination.
Tourism Minister Faisal attributed these achievements to the collective efforts of the tourism industry, including hoteliers, dive operators, airlines, travel agencies, hospitality workers, tour guides, and local communities. “These awards are a testament to the unwavering dedication and hard work of every individual contributing to our tourism sector,” he stated.
The Maldives’ consistent recognition as a leading destination underscores its global appeal, driven by its pristine beaches, luxury resorts, vibrant marine life, and sustainability initiatives. The country remains a beacon of excellence in the travel and tourism industry, setting a high standard for competitors worldwide.
