World Travel Awards 2026: Top Honors Go to Vietnam, Philippines, and New Zealand
The esteemed World Travel Awards Asia, Oceania & Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony 2026 took place at CROSSROADS Maldives on October 2, 2026. The event, which brought together the global travel and tourism industry, produced results that have created a buzz across the sector.
Vietnam was honored as Asia’s Leading Destination. The Philippines earned the dual distinction of Asia’s Leading Beach Destination and Asia’s Leading Tourist Board. Meanwhile, New Zealand was named Oceania’s Leading Destination, and Sydney was recognized as Oceania’s Leading City Destination.
In the luxury hospitality segment, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort stood out as a double winner, securing the titles of Indian Ocean’s Leading Luxury Resort and Maldives’ Leading Luxury Resort. The leading new hotels in Asia and Oceania were InterContinental Sapporo and InterContinental Brisbane respectively, while Hong Kong International Airport maintained its status as Asia’s Leading Airport.
The World Travel Awards, often likened to the “Oscars of the travel industry,” represent the pinnacle of recognition a travel or hospitality brand can achieve. Each year, the awards attract top executives and destination leaders from around the world.
Source: WebWire — World Travel Awards 2026, Maldives Gala Ceremony