The World Travel Awards (WTA) has revealed that the Maldives will welcome industry leaders from Asia, Oceania, and the Indian Ocean for an extravagant VIP gala event to honor excellence in travel and tourism.

The main event is scheduled to occur at CROSSROADS Maldives on World Tourism Day, September 27.

As per WTA, the event signifies the comeback of the Indian Ocean segment of the WTA Grand Tour, a yearly succession of glamorous occasions held across each continent.

“The choice highlights the resilience of the Maldivian travel and tourism industry and its prominence in the luxury, sustainability, and experiential travel sectors,” asserts the WTA.

The enlarged ceremony will unite winners from numerous markets across Asia, the Pacific, Australasia, and the Indian Ocean – regions that collectively represent one of the globe’s most vibrant tourism areas.

CROSSROADS Maldives, where the event is taking place, is situated only 15 minutes by boat from Velana International Airport. The resort is the Maldives' first and only multi-island integrated lifestyle destination, crafted to embody an island community, inspired by the country's past as an ancient trade center linking Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.

“Uniting champions from the Indian Ocean, Asia, and Oceania, we are establishing a strong platform that showcases the vibrancy and worldwide impact of the Maldives,” he stated.

CROSSROADS Maldives offers three unique resorts.

– SAii Lagoon Maldives, Hard Rock Hotel Maldives, and SO/ Maldives. Developing a multi-experience site enhanced by premier dining, recreation, and entertainment across four interconnected islands in a tropical paradise.

Alexandre Traeger, General Manager of SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton and CROSSROADS Marina, stated that the opportunity to host the WTA is an honor for CROSSROADS Maldives.

“This achievement symbolizes our goal of uniting varied experiences in a single, cohesive location, and we are excited to host the best in the industry,” he stated.

The WTA was last held in the Maldives in 2017. Since that time, the country has continually achieved high accolades at the awards for sustainability and hospitality excellence, and now possesses the title of 'World's Leading Destination'.

Ibrahim Shiuree, the managing director of Visit Maldives, expressed immense pride in returning the esteemed awards to the Maldives.

"The Gala event will enable us to highlight not just the natural charm and warmth that characterize the Maldives experience, but also our lasting dedication to responsible and sustainable tourism." "We eagerly anticipate hosting industry leaders on our shores and presenting them with the warmth, culture, and beauty that make the Maldives unique," he stated.