Maldives to Host World Travel Awards Indian Ocean Gala 2026 on World Tourism Day

Visit Maldives has announced that the World Travel Awards (WTA) Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony 2026 will be held in the Maldives on 27 September 2026.

This year, the ceremony will be held on World Tourism Day, and marks the event’s return to the Maldives after a decade. 

Established in 1993, the World Travel Awards recognises excellence across the global travel and tourism industry. Now in its 33rd year, the awards honour achievements in destinations, airlines, hotels, resorts, cruise operators and travel services. Winners are selected through votes cast by travel professionals, industry leaders and consumers worldwide.

Each year, WTA stages regional gala ceremonies as part of its Grand Tour, culminating in a global finale. The return of the Indian Ocean Gala to the Maldives reflects the country’s standing within the industry, particularly in the luxury, sustainability and experiential travel segments, Visit Maldives said.

The Maldives last hosted the gala more than ten years ago. Since then, the country has secured multiple titles at the World Travel Awards, including repeated recognition as the Indian Ocean’s Leading Destination. The Maldives also holds a record of winning the World’s Leading Destination title for six consecutive years.

To mark the occasion, Visit Maldives will organise a “Visit Maldives Week” aligned with World Tourism Day. The programme will include industry forums, discussions on sustainable tourism and innovation, media engagements, familiarisation trips, cultural showcases and networking events leading up to the gala ceremony.

Visit Maldives stated that hosting the Indian Ocean Gala on World Tourism Day highlights the country’s continued focus on tourism development and international engagement. The event is expected to bring together industry stakeholders and global tourism leaders, while further strengthening the Maldives’ profile as a leading travel destination.