The World Travel Awards 2026 celebrated the best travel organizations in Asia, Oceania, and the Indian Ocean at a VIP gala ceremony in the Maldives. The event took place at CROSSROADS Maldives, with the Maldives as the Official Host Destination and Bank of Maldives as Platinum Sponsor.
Vietnam was named Asia's Leading Destination, while the Philippines won Asia's Leading Beach Destination and Asia's Leading Tourist Board. New Zealand claimed Oceania's Leading Destination, and Sydney was voted Oceania's Leading City Destination. The Maldives secured five titles, including Indian Ocean's Leading Destination, and Seychelles won Indian Ocean's Leading Beach Destination.
In the hospitality sector, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort won Indian Ocean's Leading Luxury Resort and Maldives' Leading Luxury Resort. Omana in New Zealand took Oceania's Leading Boutique Hotel. Newcomer awards went to InterContinental Sapporo as Asia's Leading New Hotel, InterContinental Brisbane as Oceania's Leading New Hotel, and Here Baa Atoll in the Maldives as Indian Ocean's Leading New Resort.
Aviation winners included Hong Kong International Airport as Asia's Leading Airport, Vietnam Airlines for Asia's Leading Airline - Customer Experience and Premium Economy Class, and Velana International Airport as Indian Ocean's Leading Airport. Maldivian was named Indian Ocean's Leading Airline Brand, and Trans Maldivian Airways won Indian Ocean's Leading Seaplane Operator.
For travelers, these awards highlight top destinations and services in the region, such as Vietnam and the Maldives for destinations, and airlines like Vietnam Airlines for customer experience, which may guide travel choices.
