Celebrated globally for its pristine turquoise waters, exceptional hospitality, and commitment to sustainable tourism, Maldives has once again earned recognition on the world stage with dual nominations at the upcoming World Travel Awards (WTA) 2025. The island nation has been shortlisted for two of the most coveted accolades in global tourism: World’s Leading Destination 2025 and World’s Leading Green Destination 2025.
This year marks the sixth consecutive nomination for World’s Leading Destination, a title the Maldives has proudly secured every year since 2020. Competing alongside 19 top-tier travel destinations such as Spain, Greece, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Dubai, the Maldives continues to shine as a premium getaway, particularly for luxury and leisure travellers seeking an unforgettable island escape.
Established in 1993, the World Travel Awards are recognised globally as the highest standard of excellence in the travel and tourism sector. They honour outstanding achievements across the full spectrum of the industry, from airlines and hotels to destinations and resorts.
The Maldives’ nomination for World’s Leading Green Destination 2025 further cements the country’s growing reputation as a sustainable tourism pioneer. This comes on the heels of its 2024 victory in the same category. The recognition reflects the Maldives’ continuous efforts to protect its delicate marine ecosystems, including coral reefs, atolls, and marine biodiversity, while promoting eco-conscious travel experiences. Numerous resorts have adopted zero-waste policies, solar-powered operations, marine conservation programs, and coral reef rehabilitation projects to align with the country’s broader climate resilience goals.
Ibrahim Shiuree, CEO and Managing Director of Visit Maldives, noted that the nominations are the result of collaborative dedication across the nation’s tourism industry:
“These nominations are a reflection of the dedication and passion of everyone who contributes to the Maldives tourism industry. Winning these titles is not just a matter of pride but also a global recognition of our collective efforts to deliver exceptional experiences while preserving the natural beauty that makes the Maldives unique.”
The Maldives, home to over 170 resort islands, offers a variety of high-end hospitality brands including Soneva, Cheval Blanc Randheli, Velaa Private Island, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Waldorf Astoria, and One&Only Reethi Rah. These luxury resorts are renowned not only for their overwater villas and impeccable service, but also for integrating environmental responsibility into their operations. From marine biology centres to community-led sustainability initiatives, these resorts contribute to making the Maldives an exemplar of eco-luxury travel.
Voting for the World Travel Awards 2025 is currently open and will close on 26 October 2025. Visit Maldives urges travellers, tourism partners, and supporters worldwide to show their appreciation for the Maldives’ excellence in hospitality and sustainability by casting their votes via the official platform: https://www.worldtravelawards.com/vote.
Winning both titles again in 2025 would reaffirm the Maldives’ position as a global front-runner in sustainable luxury tourism and further elevate its reputation among international travellers seeking not just beauty, but meaningful and environmentally responsible experiences.
With its consistent accolades, exceptional service, and unwavering commitment to preserving its unique natural heritage, the Maldives continues to invite the world to discover paradise—one island at a time.