Maldives grabs ‘World’s Leading Destination’ award again for hat-trick

Maldives has been crowned ‘World’s Leading Destination’ at World Travel Awards once again – the most prestigious honors program in global travel. 

This is the third consecutive year the island nation has secured the title; the first time being in 2020, and the second time being in 2021.

The award was presented at the final gala ceremony of the 29th World Travel Awards held at Oman’s capital Muscat on Friday night. Tourism Minister Dr. Abdulla Mausoom and Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation’s (MMPRC) Chief Executive Officer, Managing Director Thoyyib Mohamed received the award on behalf of Maldives.

Maldives competed with 18 other popular tourist destinations for the title; Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dubai, Greece, India, Indonesia, Jamaica, Kenya, Mexico, New Zealand, Portugal, South Africa, Spain, United States and Vietnam.

Maldives is grabbing this award for the third consecutive year as the nation celebrates the 50th anniversary of its tourism industry this year.

The island nation also secured additional awards at tonight WTA final gala ceremony; MMPRC winning World’s Leading Tourism Board and Trans Maldivian Airways (TMA) winning World’s Leading Seaplane Operator titles.

In an earlier statement announcing the nomination, MMPRC aid Maldives won the World’s Leading Destination title the past two years despite the difficulties posed by the global Covid-19 pandemic through the sheer will, hard work, and dedication of the Maldivian tourism industry.

“Winning this award a third year in a row, especially during our Golden Jubilee Year of Tourism, would not only fortify our nation’s place as a tourism hotspot, but also as a leader in the global travel trade,” said MMPRC.

Established in 1993 – World Travel Awards acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all key sectors of the travel, tourism and hospitality industries. The brand is recognized globally as the ultimate hallmark of industry excellence. It is also known as the Oscars of the travel industry.