The Maldives has reaffirmed its standing as a global tourism powerhouse, winning the titles of World’s Leading Destination 2025 for the sixth consecutive year and World’s Leading Green Destination 2025 for the second year in a row at the World Travel Awards Grand Final Gala Ceremony held at Exhibition World Bahrain.
Established in 1993, the World Travel Awards are regarded as the most prestigious accolades in the international travel and tourism sector, recognising excellence across the industry through global voting by both professionals and consumers.
Securing the title of World’s Leading Destination for six straight years sets a new benchmark for the Maldives, underscoring the nation’s enduring brand strength, sustained demand, and exceptional visitor appeal. The recognition as World’s Leading Green Destination meanwhile highlights the Maldives’ commitment to environmental protection, sustainable tourism progress, and the safeguarding of its delicate marine ecosystems.
These honours come during a year of exceptional performance for Maldivian tourism. Visitor arrivals surpassed two million earlier than ever before, and the country is on course to achieve its target of 2.3 million arrivals by the end of 2025. Growth has been supported by well-coordinated international campaigns, strengthened market partnerships, expanded trade activity, and heightened visibility in key source markets.
Throughout 2025, Visit Maldives Corporation (VMC) led a series of strategic promotional initiatives designed to reinforce the Maldives’ global positioning. Major ambassador programmes, high-impact digital campaigns, regional roadshows, co-branded partnerships, and the introduction of the 2026 “Ocean Nation” theme all contributed to elevating awareness and demand. The Maldives also expanded its footprint at leading international trade fairs and collaborated closely with industry stakeholders across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and North America.
Beyond its two world titles, the Maldives received three notable regional awards: Indian Ocean’s Best MICE Destination 2025 (Maldives), Indian Ocean’s Best Incentive Destination 2025 (Malé), and Indian Ocean’s Best Tourism Authority Website 2025 (VisitMaldives.com). These achievements reflect the diversification of the Maldives’ tourism portfolio, including the growth of MICE travel, incentive tourism, urban visitor experiences, and advanced digital engagement.
The Maldives’ success at the World Travel Awards represents a collaborative effort involving government institutions, the tourism industry, local communities, and global travel partners. It reinforces the Maldives’ position as a leading premium destination and highlights the impact of consistent year-round destination marketing led by VMC and its partners.
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