CROSSROADS Maldives to host World Travel Awards Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony 2026 | News
World Travel Awards (WTA) has announced that CROSSROADS Maldives will serve as the host venue for its Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony on 27 September 2026. The multi-island leisure and lifestyle destination will welcome travel industry leaders from across the region for the VIP reception.
Just 15 minutes by boat from Velana International Airport, CROSSROADS Maldives is designed in the spirit of an island community and draws inspiration from the nation’s history as an ancient trading hub, connecting Asia, Africa and the Middle East.
The destination features three distinct resorts – SAii Lagoon Maldives, Hard Rock Hotel Maldives and SO/ Maldives – offering a world-class combination of gourmet dining, leisure and entertainment across four connected islands in a tropical paradise.
The ceremony, scheduled to coincide with World Tourism Day, heralds the return of the Indian Ocean leg of the World Travel Awards Grand Tour, an annual series of red-carpet events hosted on each continent.
Graham Cooke, Founder, World Travel Awards, says: “I am delighted to be returning to the Maldives for our Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony 2026 – a decision that reflects the strength of the country’s tourism sector. CROSSROADS encapsulates how the Maldives is setting the global standard for luxury and its appetite for bold, innovative and world-class tourism experiences. I look forward to welcoming travel leaders from across the Indian Ocean to experience this extraordinary destination.”
Alexander Traeger, General Manager, SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton and CROSSROADS Marina, says: “It is a true privilege for CROSSROADS Maldives to host the WTA Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony 2026. This milestone reflects our vision of bringing diverse experiences together in one seamless destination, and we look forward to welcoming the industry’s finest.”
The Maldives last hosted the WTA 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’.
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.”
