The Maldives will host the World Travel Awards (WTA) Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony 2026 on September 27, coinciding with World Tourism Day, according to Visit Maldives. 
This marks the return of the prestigious event to the Maldives after more than a decade. The ceremony is part of the WTA Grand Tour, which recognises excellence across global tourism sectors including destinations, airlines, hotels, resorts, cruise operators and travel service providers. Established in 1993, the awards are now in their 33rd year, with winners selected through votes cast by travel professionals, industry leaders and consumers worldwide. 
Visit Maldives noted that recent Indian Ocean regional galas have been hosted in destinations known for innovation and high‑quality tourism services. The return of the ceremony to the Maldives underscores the country’s continued leadership in luxury, sustainability and experiential travel. 
The Maldives has achieved exceptional success at the World Travel Awards in recent years, including securing the title of World’s Leading Destination for six consecutive years, along with repeated wins in Indian Ocean categories and multiple accolades for sustainability and hospitality excellence. 
Maldives wins the World's Leading Destination 2025 at the 32nd World Travel Awards in Bahrain on December 6, 2025. (Photo/WTA)
Visit Maldives said hosting the gala again is both recognition of the nation’s achievements and a strategic opportunity to further strengthen the Maldives’ global positioning.
To mark the occasion, Visit Maldives will organise a week‑long celebration titled Visit Maldives Week, aligned with World Tourism Day. The programme will feature high‑level industry forums, discussions on sustainable tourism and innovation, global media engagements, familiarisation trips, cultural showcases and networking events leading up to the gala ceremony. 
The initiative aims to boost international visibility for the Maldives and bring together global tourism leaders, partners and stakeholders in one of the world’s most iconic destinations.
Visit Maldives said the event will serve as a platform to celebrate industry achievements and shape the next chapter of growth for Maldivian tourism, while reinforcing the country’s commitment to sustainable development and strategic partnerships.