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Sunday 19 May 2024
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LOCAL EDITION
Maldives wins four titles at the WTA Indian Ocean category on May 6, 2024. (Photo/MMPRC)
Maldives has won four prestigious titles at the World Travel Awards (WTA) - Indian Ocean category, including the award for the region’s leading destination.
The WTA Indian Ocean awards were presented on the sidelines of the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) at Dubai World Trade Center on Monday.
The Maldives won:
The award for Indian Ocean's Leading Destination was accepted by Tourism Minister Ibrahim Faisal, whole the award for Indian Ocean's Leading Honeymoon Destination was accepted by Ayesha Nurain Janah, Chairperson of Maldives Marketing and PR Corporation (MMPRC).
Meanwhile, the award for Indian Ocean's Leading Green Destination was accepted by MMPRC’s Managing Director Fathmath Thaufeeq, and the award for Indian Ocean's Leading Dive Destination was accepted by Mohamed Khaleel, an advisor to the Maldivian president on tourism development.
In a statement announcing the achievement, MMPRC said the significance of the awards highlights the Maldives' standing as an unparalleled tourist destination, showcases the country's commitment to delivering unforgettable experiences to visitors from around the world, and reinforces the continued efforts of MMPRC in promoting and developing the nation's tourism sector.
Maldives has dominated the WTA Indian Ocean awards since the category was introduced in 2003, winning the Leading Destination title 17 times, the Leading Honeymoon Destination title six times, and the Leading Dive Destination title nine times.
But this marks the first year the Maldives has been recognized as a Green Destination, highlighting the country’s commitment to sustainable tourism.
“Winning these awards will indeed enhance the image of the destination as a high-profile luxury destination among visitors. These awards indicate visitors' love and confidence towards the Maldives, a huge step towards World’s Leading Destination!” reads the MMPRC’s statement.
Established in 1993, the WTA are widely regarded as one of the most respected and popular awards in the world of travel and tourism. Symbolizing the most outstanding endorsement in tourism, and the travel industry, the awards aim to recognize and reward achievements in all aspects of travel and tourism on a global scale.
Maldives was crowned the World’s Leading Destination for the fourth year running at the 2023 World Travel Awards.
The Indian Ocean destination recorded 1.8 million arrivals last year, and is eying a record 2 million visitors this year.
