The Maldives has been nominated for World’s Leading Sustainable Destination 2026 at the World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards (WSTHA), with voting open until 21 October.
Visit Maldives Corporation (VMC) is urging travellers, tourism industry partners and supporters worldwide to vote for the Maldives, highlighting the country’s efforts to promote sustainable tourism while protecting its natural environment and supporting local communities and businesses.
The Maldives’ tourism industry relies heavily on its marine environment and fragile island ecosystems, making environmental protection an important part of the sector’s long-term development. The nomination recognises the destination’s continued efforts to advance sustainability within the tourism industry.
The Maldives has received several sustainability-related accolades in recent years, including the Indian Ocean’s Leading Green Destination title for three consecutive years from 2024 to 2026. It has also earned recognition in other categories, including Indian Ocean’s Leading Destination, Leading Dive Destination and Leading Honeymoon Destination.
Launched in 2023 under the World Travel Awards portfolio, the World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards recognises destinations and organisations demonstrating leadership in environmental, social and economic sustainability across the global travel and hospitality industry.
In the 2026 category, the Maldives is competing against other nominees, including the City of Dubrovnik, Diriyah: The City of Earth, Dubai and Serengeti National Park.
Voting closes on 21 October 2026. Supporters can cast their vote through the official WSTHA website. Voters must register for a free account or sign in, with new users required to verify their email address before selecting the Maldives in the World’s Leading Sustainable Destination 2026 category.