Maldives has successfully secured the title of the World’s Leading Destination for the third year in a row at the World Travel Awards 2022.
The announcement was made at an event held at Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Oman, on Friday, November 11, 2022.
Friday's event saw Maldives receiving several awards including the most prestigious title in the global tourism industry for the third year running.
Minister of Tourism Dr. Abdulla Mausoom and Managing Director of Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) Thoyyib Mohammed accepted the award on behalf of the nation at the awards ceremony
The Maldives beat out 18 other countries for this title. Countries who competed for the title included famous destinations such as Dubai, Portugal, Indonesia, and Greece.
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Mausoom stated that this accomplishment is a testament to the popularity and vibrancy of the Maldives as a tourist destination. He said that the industry's achievements throughout the past three years reflect the resilience of the Maldives tourism industry amidst any crisis.
Speaking about the award, MD Thoyyib stated that is is truly an honor to win the prestigious title of World's Leading Destination for the third year in a row.
Highlighting that this year is the Golden Jubilee of Tourism in the Maldives, Thoyyib stated that the country couldn't have asked for a better achievement to mark 50 years of welcoming visitors.
Thoyyib noted that this award is thanks to the guidance the government, the support of industry partners, and the hard work of the tourism industry as a whole.
He also said that the Maldives is blessed in receiving the love from people all around the world.
Tourism pioneer and celebrated local entrepreneur, Hussein Afeef, also commented on the success achieved by the Maldives at this year's World Travel Awards.
Afeef stated that he considers it a blessing that the entire tourism industry, the cornerstone of the country's economy, has come together for the betterment of the country. He congratulated all tourism industry stakeholders, organizations, and every citizen of the nation for this outstanding success.
Afeef added that MMPRC's efforts to raise the Maldives to new and radiant heights are appreciated by people around the world.
There were many who did not expect the Maldives to retain the top spot once all other nations reopened their borders and initiated their efforts to revive tourism in their respective countries. MMPRC highlights Maldives retaining it's place at the top while competing with fully-active destinations from around the world as the greatest proof that people all over the world love the Maldives.
MMPRC conducted a total of 149 activities in 22 global markets over the first three quarters of 2022, targeting the travel trade and consumers alike, with a reach of over 8.6 billion.
MMPRC notes that one of the key focuses of their strategies was to maintain brand visibility in the global markets.
Apart from promoting the Maldives as a premier luxury destination with various affordable options and diverse experiences, thier messaging was clearly communicated to build confidence in the destination.
Winning this award a third year in a row, especially during our Golden Jubilee Year of Tourism, has not only fortified Maldives' place as a tourism hotspot but also as a leader in the global travel trade.
