Maldives crowned WTA World’s Leading Destination for fifth consecutive year

The Maldives has been crowned as the World's Leading Destination at the 2024 World Travel Awards – solidifying its status as a global tourism icon.

The Grand Finale of the 31th WTA was held in Madeira, Portugal, on Sunday evening.

It marks the fifth consecutive year for the Maldives to receive the prestigious award, amidst fierce competition from other acclaimed global destinations.

In addition to being crowned the World’s Leading Destination, the Maldives also received the title of World’s Leading Green Destination and World's Leading Seaplane Operator, the latter of which was won by Trans Maldivian Airways (TMA).

The latest global accolades follow a strong performance earlier this year at the WTA Indian Ocean Category, hosted during the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2024 in Dubai. During the regional ceremony, the Maldives was honored as the Indian Ocean’s Leading Destination, Indian Ocean’s Leading Honeymoon Destination, Indian Ocean’s Leading Green Destination, and Indian Ocean’s Leading Dive Destination.

The recognition at both the regional and global levels highlight the Maldives’ unparalleled appeal as a travel destination and its commitment to sustainability. Winning the title of World’s Leading Green Destination marks a historic milestone for the nation, showcasing its dedication to preserving its natural environment and promoting sustainable tourism practices.

Accepting the awards on behalf of the Maldives, Tourism Minister Ibrahim Faisal emphasized that these achievements are the result of the collective efforts of every stakeholder in the tourism sector – from hoteliers and dive operators to airlines, travel agencies, hospitality staff, tour guides, and local communities.

These accolades reflect the shared commitment to excellence, innovation, and environmental stewardship that drives the Maldives’ global success, he said.

The Maldives has seen over 1.79 million tourist arrivals so far this year, as it eyes a record two million visitors before the end of the year.

The WTA, established in 1993, is the most prestigious honors program in the global travel and tourism industry, recognized globally as the ultimate hallmark of industry excellence.