Maldives has been named the Indian Ocean's Leading Destination for 2026 at the World Travel Awards ceremony held in Malé on Sunday, which also marked World Tourism Day. The island nation received additional regional honors as Leading Green Destination, Leading Dive Destination, and Leading Honeymoon Destination.
The national tourism promotion body, Visit Maldives Corporation, was recognized as the Indian Ocean's Leading Tourist Board. More than 15 Maldivian tourism and hospitality businesses also won awards in categories such as resorts, aviation, diving, luxury hospitality, and destination management.
This recognition comes during the 54th year of tourism in Maldives, an industry that began with just two resorts in 1972 and has grown into the mainstay of the archipelago's economy. Tourism Minister Mohamed Ameen described the industry as the 'backbone' of the economy, creating opportunities and connecting the country's roughly 1,200 coral islands to the world.
The awards extend a strong run for Maldives, which was named World's Leading Destination for six consecutive years from 2020 to 2025 and won the Indian Ocean's Leading Destination title for five straight years from 2020 through 2024. The green tourism award comes as the low-lying country faces environmental pressures from climate change and its reliance on marine ecosystems.
For travellers, this recognition highlights Maldives as a top choice for luxury, diving, and honeymoon travel, with a continued focus on sustainable tourism practices.
