Shereen Mitwalli will host the event on May 12th

Indian Ocean paradise destination the Maldives is preparing to hose the World Travel Awards Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony on May 12th.

It will be the first time the awards ceremony has visited the destination, with the prestigious event acclaimed globally as a premier networking platform in the travel industry.

The Gala Ceremony will be an elegant and glamorous five-star island-style event, synonymous with the idyllic Maldives.

The event also marks a double celebratory year, with the Maldives celebrating 40 years of tourism, while the World Travel Awards is celebrating its 20th Anniversary.

Paradise Island Resort & Spa, part of the Villa Group, will host the event, welcoming an array of personalities and leaders from the region.

Hosting the ceremony will be internationally acclaimed television and film personality Shereen Mitwalli, who has hosted events around the world and will bring her experience, warmth and glamour to the evening.

Lets go Maldives - a leading consortium of experienced travel professionals who passionately promote the marketing of this exquisite region – will also offer its support the global event.

Mohamed Riyaz, managing director, Lets go Maldives, said: “We are honoured to be part of World Travel Awards; an event that truly celebrates the spirit of travel and tourism worldwide.”

Over 58 awards will be presented and categories including Indian Ocean’s Leading Beach Destination, Indian Ocean’s Leading Airline, Indian Ocean’s Leading Family Resort, Indian Ocean’s Leading Cruise Line, and Indian Ocean’s Leading Hotel Brand.

Mohamed Adam, acting managing director, Maldives Marketing & Public Relations Corporation said: “We are extremely privileged and proud to be hosting the most prestigious event of the travel industry, the World Travel Awards Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony in the Maldives this year. 

“Being the celebratory year of the 40th year of tourism in the Maldives, it brings us extra pleasure in extending a warm welcome to the delegates of World Travel Awards to the… sunny side of life.”