Maldivian National Airline Named Official Partner for 2026 World Travel Awards

Visit Maldives Corporation (VMC) has officially appointed the national airline, Maldivian, as the local airline partner for the World Travel Awards (WTA) Asia, Oceania, and Indian Ocean 2026. The partnership is a strategic move to ensure the seamless delivery of one of the tourism industry's most prestigious international events, which the Maldives will host. The agreement was signed by VMC Managing Director Ibrahim Shiuree and Maldivian Deputy Managing Director Ali Saleem. Under the terms of the partnership, the national carrier will provide essential operational support, facilitate staff participation, and manage airline services to support the event's logistics. Speaking at the signing ceremony, Ibrahim Shiuree emphasized that hosting the WTA regional gala represents a prime opportunity to showcase Maldivian tourism products to global industry leaders. He noted that Maldivian's role in connecting the archipelago is vital, and this collaboration highlights the synergy required among local stakeholders to elevate the nation's profile on the global stage. In addition to the aviation partnership, VMC has named local beauty brand Ana Salon as the official make-up and beauty partner for the ceremony. The agreement, signed by Shiuree and Ana Salon Marketing Manager Fathimath Naf'ath Ahmed, will see the local brand providing practical beauty and wellness support during the event preparations. Shiuree expressed pride in partnering with a home-grown business, stating that Ana Salon's involvement demonstrates the capability of Maldivian enterprises to operate at a world-class level. He added that such partnerships reinforce the country's reputation as a premier luxury destination. The World Travel Awards is widely regarded as the 'Oscars' of the tourism industry, celebrating excellence across global travel, hospitality, and destination management. By hosting the 2026 gala, the Maldives aims to strengthen its professional networks and solidify its position as a leader in global tourism. While preparations for 2026 are underway, this year's awards ceremony is scheduled to take place at Crossroads Maldives on September 27.