Travel and tourism organisations from across Asia, Oceania and the Indian Ocean were recognised at the World Travel Awards Asia, Oceania & Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony 2026 in the Maldives.
Held at CROSSROADS Maldives, the event brought together representatives from across the region to receive awards across destination, hospitality, aviation and tourism categories.
The Maldives served as the Official Host Destination, with Bank of Maldives as Platinum Sponsor and CROSSROADS Maldives as Host Partner. The ceremony was the third leg of the World Travel Awards’ Grand Tour 2026, a global programme recognising travel and tourism organisations.
Vietnam, Philippines and New Zealand among destination winners
Vietnam won the title of ‘Asia’s Leading Destination’, while the Philippines was named ‘Asia’s Leading Beach Destination’ and ‘Asia’s Leading Tourist Board’.
In Oceania, New Zealand received the title of ‘Oceania’s Leading Destination’. Sydney was named ‘Oceania’s Leading City Destination’.
The Maldives collected five titles, including ‘Indian Ocean’s Leading Destination’. Seychelles won ‘Indian Ocean’s Leading Beach Destination’.
Hotel and resort categories also produced winners across the region.
The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort received two awards, winning ‘Indian Ocean’s Leading Honeymoon Resort’ and ‘Indian Ocean’s Leading Luxury Island Resort’. Omana, New Zealand, was named ‘Oceania’s Leading Boutique Hotel’.
New hotels and resorts recognised
The newcomer categories recognised three properties from across the region.
InterContinental Sapporo won ‘Asia’s Leading New Hotel’, while InterContinental Brisbane was named ‘Oceania’s Leading New Hotel’.
In the Indian Ocean, .Here Baa Atoll, Maldives, received the title of ‘Indian Ocean’s Leading New Resort’.
Hong Kong International Airport wins Asia’s Leading Airport
Hong Kong International Airport was named ‘Asia’s Leading Airport’.
Vietnam Airlines received two awards: ‘Asia’s Leading Airline – Customer Experience’ and ‘Asia’s Leading Airline – Premium Economy Class’.
In the Indian Ocean, Velana International Airport in the Maldives won ‘Indian Ocean’s Leading Airport’.
Maldivian was named ‘Indian Ocean’s Leading Airline Brand’, while Trans Maldivian Airways received the title of ‘Indian Ocean’s Leading Seaplane Operator’.
World Travel Awards founder praises regional winners
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.”
More regional tourism winners
Other winners included Vietravel, which received ‘Asia’s Leading Tour Operator’.
In the Maldives, Hard Rock Hotel Maldives was named ‘Maldives’ Leading All-Inclusive Resort’. SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton, won ‘Maldives’ Leading Family Resort’, while SO/ Maldives received ‘Maldives’ Leading Lifestyle Resort’.
The full list of winners.
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