Paradise Island Resort & Spa, a destination renowned for its luxury and comfort, is to host the ‘Oscars of the travel industry’ the World Travel Awards on May 12th 2013.

The destination is set on the island Lankanfinolhu, located in North Male Atoll, and a short fifteen-minute speedboat ride from Ibrahim Nasir International Airport.

Luxury villas and suites overlooking the Indian Ocean are linked to five fabulous dining choices and a wide selection of nightlife.

The resort also offers a wide range of water-sports including a PADI accredited dive centre and recreation.

General manager of the Paradise Island Resort & Spa Qaisar Nazeem said: “It is our pleasure and honour that Paradise Island is to host of the forthcoming World Travel Wards Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony on May 12th 2013.

“It is the first time for such a prestigious event in the Maldives, and we are proud to be given this opportunity to serve the hoteliers and travel industry.

“We hope that this event will be a success and will open more doors in the expansion of our tourism industry to a wider market.”

Paradise Island epitomises the true Maldivian tourist experience.

Paved pathways wind through the lush grounds, inter-linking Beach Bungalows, Haven Villas, Haven and Ocean Suites as well the Araamu Spa, with each contributing to the natural awe- inspiring beauty of the Maldives.

It is here that industry leaders will meet and compete for awards in over 32 categories in May.

World Travel Awards global business director Sion Rapson said: “We are delighted that Paradise Island Resort & Spa, part of the Villa Hotels & Resorts, group are hosting this event.

“Last year we had vigorous interest in all of the award categories and this gave us the impetus to have an Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony as a standalone event.

“Partnering with exceptionally strong tourism bodies such as Let’s Go Maldives, Maldives Tourism Promotion Board and Azidon indicates the enthusiasm and commitment those Maldives organisations have for maintaining their position as a world leader in the region.”