Visit Maldives Corporation has announced that the Maldives has been nominated in six categories in the Indian Ocean segment of the World Travel Awards 2026.

The country has been shortlisted for Indian Ocean’s Leading Destination, Leading Beach Destination, Leading Dive Destination, Leading Green Destination, Leading Honeymoon Destination, and Leading Tourist Board.

Voting for the awards is now open to both the public and travel industry professionals, with the deadline set for August 7. The nominations mark the latest recognition for the Maldives, which has maintained a strong track record at the awards over the years.

The Maldives has previously secured multiple titles in the Indian Ocean category, including repeated wins as Leading Destination and recognition in beach, dive, green and honeymoon segments. The country has also been named World’s Leading Destination for six consecutive years from 2019 to 2025, and World’s Leading Green Destination in 2024 and 2025, while Visit Maldives has been recognised as World’s Leading Tourist Board in 2021, 2022 and 2023.

Established in 1993, the World Travel Awards is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious honours programmes in the global travel and tourism industry, recognising excellence across destinations and service providers.

Separately, the awards organisers have announced that CROSSROADS Maldives will host the Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony on September 27, where tourism industry leaders from across the region are expected to attend.