Maldives has won the award for World’s Leading Destination at the 2020 World Travel Awards.
The award was announced during the Grand Finale of the World Travel Awards, held virtually on November 27. Maldives won the award after competing with 22 different destinations around the world. This is the first time the Maldives has won this award.
Following the announcement of the award, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih tweeted expressing his delight at the historic achievement. He noted the award is the result of the hard work of the entire tourism industry to make the Maldives safe and welcoming to visitors, despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. He conveyed congratulations to all working in the tourism industry.
Meanwhile, Minister of Tourism Dr. Abdulla Mausoom noted the award was made possible by President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s bold decision to reopen borders, combined with the determination of travel and tourism partners and employees. He also expressed gratitude for Health Protection Agency (HPA), Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), Maldives Immigration, local councils, related authorities and media for their important role in helping the Maldives win the award.
In addition to the award for World’s Leading Destination, the Maldives also won several other awards at the 2020 World Travel Awards. As such, Maldivian resorts and hotels won the awards for World’s Leading Water Villa Resort, World’s Leading Underwater Hotel Restaurant, World’s Leading New Resort, World’s Leading Luxury Island Resort, World’s Leading Luxury Island Villas, as well as World’s Leading Luxury Honeymoon Resort, World’s Leading Honeymoon Resort and World’s Leading Airport Resort.
The Maldives also won 4 regional awards, including the Leading Destination, Leading Beach Destination, Leading Cruise Destination and Leading Dive Destination in the Indian Ocean. Maldivian resorts and hotels won a further 18 awards in the Indian Ocean region.
World Travel Awards are the most prestigious awards given in the field of travel and tourism. This year’s awards were the 27th edition of the World Travel Awards.