World Travel Awards 2026 recognised leading destinations, hotels, airlines, airports and tourism organisations across Asia, Oceania and the Indian Ocean.
The leading travel and tourism organisations across Asia, Oceania and the Indian Ocean were recognised at the World Travel Awards Asia, Oceania & Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony 2026, held at CROSSROADS Maldives.
The Maldives served as the Official Host Destination, with Bank of Maldives as Platinum Sponsor and CROSSROADS Maldives as Host Partner. The ceremony marked the third leg of the World Travel Awards Grand Tour 2026, a global programme recognising travel and tourism organisations.
Vietnam was named “Asia’s Leading Destination”, while the Philippines received the titles of “Asia’s Leading Beach Destination” and “Asia’s Leading Tourist Board”. New Zealand was recognised as “Oceania’s Leading Destination”, and Sydney received the title of ‘Oceania’s Leading City Destination”.
The Maldives secured five titles, including “Indian Ocean’s Leading Destination”. Seychelles was named “Indian Ocean’s Leading Beach Destination”.
The hospitality sector was also represented across the regional awards. The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort received two titles, “Indian Ocean’s Leading Honeymoon Resort” and “Indian Ocean’s Leading Luxury Island Resort”. Omana, New Zealand, was named “Oceania’s Leading Boutique Hotel”.
In the newcomer categories, InterContinental Sapporo was named “Asia’s Leading New Hotel”, while InterContinental Brisbane received “Oceania’s Leading New Hotel”. Here Baa Atoll, Maldives, was recognised as “Indian Ocean’s Leading New Resort”.
In aviation, Hong Kong International Airport won “Asia’s Leading Airport”. Vietnam Airlines received “Asia’s Leading Airline – Customer Experience” and “Asia’s Leading Airline – Premium Economy Class”.
Velana International Airport, Maldives, was named “Indian Ocean’s Leading Airport”. Maldivian received the title of “Indian Ocean’s Leading Airline Brand”, while Trans Maldivian Airways was named “Indian Ocean’s Leading Seaplane Operator”.
Graham Cooke, Founder, World Travel Awards, said: “It has been a privilege to host our Asia, Oceania & Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony 2026 in the Maldives, one of the world’s most iconic destinations. Tonight we have celebrated the leading lights of travel across Asia, Oceania and the Indian Ocean. Our winners represent the very best in tourism excellence, and I congratulate each and every one for raising the benchmark of achievement across this remarkable region.”
Abdullah Yasir, Managing Director, Visit Maldives, said: “We are proud to have welcomed the World Travel Awards back to the Maldives and to have celebrated the achievements of the region’s tourism industry here at home. This evening was especially meaningful for the Maldives, with the destination, Visit Maldives Corporation, and many of our resorts, properties and tourism service providers recognised across a wide range of categories. These honours reflect the strength, diversity and collective effort of our tourism industry, and give us renewed momentum as we now look towards the World Travel Awards global categories.”
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Other winners included Vietravel, named “Asia’s Leading Tour Operator”; Hard Rock Hotel Maldives, which received “Maldives’ Leading All-Inclusive Resort”’; SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton, named “Maldives’ Leading Family Resort”; and SO/ Maldives, which received “Maldives’ Leading Lifestyle Resort”.