Maldives to host 2026 World Travel Awards regional gala

The Maldives is set to host the World Travel Awards (WTA) Asia, Oceania & Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony in 2026. The event is scheduled for September 27, 2026, at CROSSROADS Maldives, coinciding with World Tourism Day.

At the ceremony, the Maldives secured five major honours, including Indian Ocean’s Leading Destination 2026, Leading Dive Destination, Leading Green Destination, and Leading Honeymoon Destination. The Visit Maldives Corporation was also recognized as the Indian Ocean’s Leading Tourist Board 2026. More than 15 Maldivian hospitality and tourism brands received awards across various categories.

In related industry developments, Dhiraagu has signed on as the Premier Sponsor for the Hotelier Maldives General Managers (GM) Forum 2026. The forum, themed ‘Resilience and Reinvention: Talent, Technology & Transformation’, will take place on October 5, 2026, at CROSSROADS Maldives to discuss the impact of digital innovation and automation on the hospitality sector.