Visit Maldives Corporation (VMC) has strengthened preparations for the World Travel Awards Asia, Oceania and Indian Ocean 2026 by appointing national carrier Maldivian as the official local airline partner and Ana Salon as the official make-up and beauty partner for the prestigious regional awards ceremony, which will be hosted in the Maldives on 27 September 2026.
The partnerships form part of the broader preparations being undertaken to successfully host one of the international tourism industry’s most recognised awards events in the Maldives. Bringing together prominent destinations, tourism organisations, hospitality brands and industry leaders from across Asia, Oceania and the Indian Ocean, the ceremony is expected to provide significant international exposure for the Maldives and further strengthen the country’s position within the global travel and tourism sector.
The agreement appointing Maldivian as the official local airline partner was signed by Visit Maldives Corporation Managing Director Ibrahim Shiuree and Maldivian Deputy Managing Director Ali Saleem. Under the agreement, the national airline will contribute to the successful organisation of the event by facilitating staff participation, providing airline services and extending operational support required in connection with the regional gala ceremony.
Maldivian’s participation carries particular significance as the airline serves an important role in the country’s transport network, connecting communities and destinations across the geographically dispersed islands of the Maldives. Its involvement in the World Travel Awards reflects the importance of coordinated participation by national institutions and tourism-sector stakeholders in delivering major international events hosted in the country.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Shiuree said hosting the World Travel Awards regional gala in the Maldives represents an important opportunity to present the country’s tourism products and destination offerings directly to influential international stakeholders from across the travel industry.
He highlighted the national airline’s important contribution to domestic connectivity and travel services, noting that the partnership demonstrates the value of cooperation among Maldivian stakeholders in ensuring the successful organisation of the awards ceremony while enhancing the country’s visibility on the international tourism stage.
Ana Salon has also joined the event as the official make-up and beauty partner for the World Travel Awards Asia, Oceania and Indian Ocean 2026. The partnership agreement was signed by Shiuree on behalf of Visit Maldives Corporation and Ana Salon Marketing Manager Fathimath Naf’ath Ahmed on behalf of the company.
As a Maldivian local brand providing beauty and wellness services, Ana Salon will provide practical support during preparations for the awards ceremony. Its appointment also provides an opportunity for a locally established business to participate alongside national and international tourism stakeholders in the delivery of a globally recognised industry event.
Shiuree described the participation of Ana Salon as a source of pride and said the partnership demonstrates the capabilities of Maldivian businesses and the collaborative efforts being undertaken to ensure the successful delivery of the World Travel Awards ceremony. He said such cooperation would contribute towards further strengthening the Maldives’ reputation as a world-class tourism destination.
The involvement of Maldivian businesses in different areas of the event also reflects the wider economic value generated when major international tourism events are hosted in the country. Beyond destination promotion, such events create opportunities for aviation, hospitality, event management, transportation, communications and other supporting industries to participate in internationally visible activities while demonstrating the standards and capabilities available within the Maldives.
The World Travel Awards is an internationally recognised tourism industry programme that celebrates excellence across the global travel sector. Its regional ceremonies bring together leading tourism destinations, hotels, resorts, airlines, travel organisations and hospitality brands, providing an important platform for industry engagement, professional networking and international destination exposure.
For the Maldives, hosting the Asia, Oceania and Indian Ocean regional ceremony provides an opportunity to engage directly with tourism leaders and decision-makers while presenting the strength and diversity of the country’s tourism industry. The event is also expected to complement the Government’s continuing efforts to maintain the Maldives’ strong international tourism profile and promote sustainable growth across one of the country’s most important economic sectors.
The 2026 regional gala ceremony will be held at Crossroads Maldives on 27 September. The destination provides a fitting setting for an international tourism gathering of this scale, reflecting the Maldives’ ability to host major industry events while delivering the distinctive hospitality experience for which the country is internationally recognised.
Hosting the ceremony at Crossroads Maldives will also place the Maldives’ resort and hospitality sector at the centre of engagement with attending tourism professionals, industry representatives and international guests. The setting will enable participants to experience first-hand the quality of the country’s tourism offering while providing an environment for professional interaction, destination promotion and industry networking.
The selection of the Maldives to host the World Travel Awards Asia, Oceania and Indian Ocean 2026 further reflects the country’s established standing within global tourism. With tourism remaining a central pillar of the national economy, the Government and tourism authorities have continued efforts to expand international engagement, strengthen destination promotion and enhance partnerships with both domestic and international stakeholders.
Visit Maldives Corporation said the regional gala represents a valuable opportunity to showcase the Maldives to key industry stakeholders, strengthen professional networks and reinforce the country’s position as one of the world’s leading tourism destinations. The growing participation of national organisations and local businesses in preparations for the September ceremony is expected to contribute towards delivering an event that reflects the quality, professionalism and hospitality associated with the Maldives.
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