Maldives Crowned World's Leading Destination for Fifth Consecutive Year

The Maldives has once again secured the title of World’s Leading Destination at the prestigious World Travel Awards (WTA) 2024, marking an unprecedented fifth consecutive win. The recognition further establishes the Maldives as a global leader in tourism, with the archipelago standing out among 19 renowned global destinations, including Dubai, Greece, Indonesia, Spain, and Vietnam.

The announcement was made at the WTA 2024 Grand Final Gala Ceremony held on November 24 in Madeira, Portugal. Representing the Maldives at the event were Minister of Tourism, Ibrahim Faisal, Minister of State for Tourism, Ahmed Nazim Mohamed, and the CEO and Managing Director of the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC), Ibrahim Shiuree.

Speaking about the achievement, Shiuree expressed his excitement, stating, “We are thrilled to have been awarded the World’s Leading Destination for the fifth consecutive year. This incredible accomplishment highlights the Maldives’ unmatched beauty, warm hospitality, and dedication to sustainable tourism practices. It is an honor to be recognized as one of the world’s most desirable destinations.”

In a historic development, the Maldives also claimed the World’s Leading Green Destination title for the first time, further cementing its reputation as a top-tier destination focused on sustainability. This dual recognition positions the Maldives as one of the few countries to receive both the World’s Leading Destination and World’s Leading Green Destination titles in the same year.

The WTA, established in 1993, is regarded as the highest honor in the global travel and tourism industry, with winners selected through a voting system involving travel professionals and consumers. The Maldives’ consistent success in these awards underscores its appeal as a must-visit destination, offering visitors everything from pristine beaches and vibrant coral reefs to luxurious resorts and personalized services.

The recognition of the Maldives as the world’s leading destination highlights the country’s ongoing commitment to excellence in tourism, and invites travelers to experience the unmatched beauty of the Sunny Side of Life.