20th Anniversary Edition
Founded in 2012 by the Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO), the MATATO Maldives Travel Awards is our nation’s most established and respected platform for recognising excellence in tourism.
In 2026, we proudly celebrate the 20th Anniversary Edition of the Awards — marking two decades of honouring leadership, innovation, service excellence, and partnership across the Maldivian tourism ecosystem.
The 20th Anniversary Edition will be held on 17th July 2026, co-hosted alongside the International Beach Tourism Forum (IBTF) and as a flagship highlight of the Amazing Maldives Experiences (AME) platform. This strategic integration positions the Awards within a broader international tourism ecosystem, welcoming global buyers, industry leaders, and key decision-makers to the Maldives.
The MATATO Maldives Travel Awards is not just a ceremony.
It is our national benchmark for tourism excellence — a platform that celebrates achievement, strengthens industry unity, and reinforces the Maldives’ leadership as a world-class tourism destination.
About Our Awards
We established the MATATO Maldives Travel Awards to:
- Recognize excellence across every segment of tourism
- Strengthen the global brand of the Maldives
- Encourage higher service standards and innovation
- Promote sustainability and responsible tourism
- Unite industry stakeholders under one national platform
Each year, we bring together over 400 senior industry leaders — including government officials, resort operators, airlines, travel trade professionals, investors, and international partners.
As the national travel trade body, our role is to represent industry interests and elevate professional standards — and the Awards reflect that mandate.
Award Categories 2026
As our industry continues to evolve, we expand and refine our main award categories to reflect the full tourism value chain of the Maldives. Through the MATATO Maldives Travel Awards, we recognize excellence across every segment of tourism from hospitality and aviation to marine operations, trade services, sustainability, and innovation.
Our Main Categories include:
- Resort & Accommodation Excellence
- Aviation Excellance
- Marine and Liveboard Excellance
- Travel Trade and Tourism Services Excellence
- Destiantion Marketing and Media Excellence
- Sustainability and Responsible Tourism Excellence
- Innovation & Technology in Tourism
- Special Recognition and Leadership Awards
These categories ensure that every pillar of the Maldivian tourism ecosystem is represented, recognized, and elevated under one national platform.
Governance & Evaluation
We maintain a transparent and credible evaluation framework combining:
- Industry Voting (where applicable)
- Independent Jury Assessment
- Performance Metrics & Market Impact
- Sustainability & Service Standards Criteria
Our goal is to ensure the MATATO Maldives Travel Awards remains merit-based, respected, and industry-driven.
Event Partners and Sponsors
Title Sponsor - TBA
Platimum Partner - TBA
Venue Parter - TBA
TBA
Training Partner - TBA
TBA
Airlines Partner ( TBA )
Finance of Banking Parnter
Associate Sponsor - TBA
Associate Sponsor - TBA
Insurance Parner
Logistics Parner
Event Management Partner
Endorsed by
Ministry of Tourism
MMPRC / Visit Maldives
