Home » Maldives Travel News » Maldives Makes History as Host of World Travel Awards Indian Ocean Gala 2026 – Don’t Miss This Epic Tourism Event! Published on
February 17, 2026By: Paramita SarkarImage generated with AiThe Maldives will proudly host the prestigious World Travel Awards (WTA) Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony on September 27, 2026. This event marks the return of the WTA to the Maldives after a ten-year hiatus, further reinforcing the country’s status as a premier global destination for tourism. Scheduled on World Tourism Day, this gala will serve as a highlight for tourism in the Indian Ocean region, making it a highly anticipated event for industry professionals, travelers, and global tourism enthusiasts.Since its inception in 1993, the World Travel Awards has been regarded as the ultimate accolade in global travel and tourism. Now celebrating its 33rd year, WTA recognizes and rewards excellence across key sectors of the tourism industry, including airlines, hotels, resorts, cruise operators, and travel service providers. With global voting from travel professionals, industry leaders, and consumers, the WTA holds a reputation as one of the most respected and credible awards in the tourism sector.The event is part of the WTA’s Grand Tour, where regional ceremonies are held across the globe to celebrate the finest performers in the tourism industry. The Indian Ocean Gala is one of the premier regional events, and its return to the Maldives is a significant recognition of the country’s consistent excellence in the tourism sector. In recent years, the Maldives has consistently secured top honors at the World Travel Awards, including the prestigious Indian Ocean’s Leading Destination title. The country is also known for its focus on sustainability and luxury travel, with multiple awards in hospitality excellence and eco-tourism.The Maldives first hosted the World Travel Awards Indian Ocean Gala over a decade ago, and since then, the nation has cemented its position as a global tourism leader. In particular, the Maldives has held the World’s Leading Destination award for an unprecedented six consecutive years. This achievement underscores the nation’s reputation as a luxury paradise, attracting travelers from around the globe who seek both relaxation and adventure.Advertisement AdvertisementThe Indian Ocean Gala on September 27, 2026, will also serve as a pivotal moment for the Maldives to showcase its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and excellence in tourism. The event promises to bring together key stakeholders, travel leaders, and global media, further amplifying the Maldives’ visibility on the international stage. As part of the celebrations, the country will host a weeklong series of events under the banner of “Visit Maldives Week”, aligning with t …
