The ceremony heralds the return of the Indian Ocean leg of the World Travel Awards Grand Tour, an annual series of red carpet events hosted in each continent. The decision reflects the strength of the travel and tourism sector in the Maldives and its leadership in the luxury, sustainability and experiential travel domains.

With its crystalline lagoons, powder-white beaches and world-renowned overwater bungalows, the Maldives represents the pinnacle of barefoot luxury and remains one of the most aspirational destinations on earth.

Graham Cooke, Founder, World Travel Awards, says: "It is an incredible honour to host our Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony 2026 in the Maldives – and what better occasion than World Tourism Day to celebrate the very best of our industry! The Maldives continues to set the global standard for luxury and sustainable tourism, and I look forward to welcoming travel leaders from across the Indian Ocean to experience the extraordinary magic of these remarkable islands."

The Maldives last hosted the VIP ceremony in 2017. Since then, the nation has consistently secured top honours at the World Travel Awards for sustainability and hospitality excellence, and currently holds the title of 'World's Leading Destination'. Bringing the gala back to Maldivian shores is both a recognition of the destination's achievements and a strategic opportunity to further strengthen its global positioning.

In celebration of this milestone, Visit Maldives will organise a comprehensive 'Visit Maldives Week' aligned with World Tourism Day, providing a vibrant celebration of tourism, culture and industry collaboration. The week will feature high-level industry forums, thought-leadership discussions on responsible tourism and innovation, familiarisation trips and networking events. The initiative aims to amplify international visibility for the Maldives while bringing together key stakeholders, partners and global tourism leaders in an iconic destination.

Ibrahim Shiuree, Managing Director, Visit Maldives, says: "We are tremendously proud to bring the World Travel Awards back to the Maldives. The Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony 2026 will allow us to showcase not only the natural beauty and hospitality that define the Maldives experience, but also our enduring commitment to responsible and sustainable tourism. We look forward to welcoming industry leaders to our shores and sharing with them the warmth, culture and wonder that make the Maldives truly one of a kind."

The Gala Ceremony promises to be the Indian Ocean's travel industry event of the year, bringing together government ministers, tourism boards, hospitality executives and international media for an unforgettable evening of recognition and networking.

Staging the ceremony on World Tourism Day – observed globally on 27 September – underlines WTA's commitment to elevating the profile of the tourism industry and championing the destinations, hotels, airlines and operators that continue to raise the bar for travellers worldwide.